Scientists have named an unusual factor in the collapse of the Chinese dynasties that ruled for thousands of years

Volcanic eruptions contributed to the collapse of dynasties in China over the last 2,000 years, according to a new study.

years. Ash emissions temporarily cooled the climate, affecting agriculture and worsening the economy and political situation in the region.

Violent eruptions create a cloud of ash thatblocks some of the sunlight for a year or two. This reduces access to sunlight, causes cooling of the earth, weakens monsoons and decreases rainfall, which reduces crop yields.

Credit: Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

In the course of work, scientists reconstructed 156 explosive volcanic eruptions from 1 AD to 1915. They studied elevated sulfate levels in ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica. Experts also analyzed historical documents from China about 68 dynasties and studied the wars there between 850 and 1911. 

Scientists have linked volcanic climate “shocks”and the collapse of dynasties in a situation where political and socio-economic stress is already at a high level. During eruptions, millions of tons of sulfur dioxide enter the upper atmosphere, forming huge clouds of sulfuric acid. They reflect sunlight and lower the average temperature of the Earth's surface. This leads to problems in agriculture. Of course, volcanic eruptions are not canceled out by other factors—poor leadership, administrative corruption and demographic pressure. The consequences of the eruptions can be considered the “last straw,” scientists conclude.

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