Russ Steele
The last time Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano blew, the eruption lasted more than a year, from December 1821 until January 1823, according geologist at the Smithsonian Institution.
It is interesting to note that 1821-1823 was the tail-end of the Dalton Minimum, falling in the minimum between the end of Sunspot Cycle Six and the start of Cycle Seven. Similar to the sunspot trough between Cycle 23 and 24 which we are currently observing. During the Dalton Minimum Europe experienced some very brutal winters and cool summers.
It is also interesting to note that the SOI (southern oscillation index) which has been strongly negative has turned positive and is approaching La Nina territory at +8. While at least 3 months of +8 are required for a La Nina to be declared, the signs of a declaration will likely continue. A strong La Nina is often associated with a negative PDO A PDO is the current cycle last which is forecast for the next 20 years. In the past the La Nina weather patterns have produces soggy summers and server storms with flooding downpours in the UK.
With the current sun inactivity similar to the Dalton Minimum, a negative PDO, a growing La Nina, and high latitude volcano eruption that could lasting years, the UK and Europe could be in for some very brutal winters and cool summers.
Some of that cool weather could spill over to the United States, including California. Stay Tuned!
