[SunkenCiv]

from the paper in Nature, "Volcanic dust veils from sixth century tree-ring isotopes linked to reduced irradiance, primary production and human health":

Figure 1 -- Sampling sites. Carbon isotope data of this study was collected from (a) upland and (b) riparian settings where the subfossil specimens are preserved in the lacustrine sediment and subaerially, respectively. Map showing the sampling sites for this study (star) (c). Photos by Hannu Herva (a) and Samuli Helama (b). The map was created by OriginPro 2017 SR1 software (http://www.originlab.com/).

• PDF version

[Paladin2]

"...the eruptions covered the sun Erf for a long time..."

Science?

[Paladin2]

"The new study tracks the correlation of carbon isotope variation and volcanic eruptions from the 19th century until recent years, and shows the dramatic reduction in available sunlight in 536 as well as between 541 and 544 CE."

How does this make sense?

[yuleeyahoo]

Trumps fault!

[Cowboy Bob]

Have they identified which volcanoes erupted?

[G Larry]

Twas those 8 cylinder, supercharged chariots!

[Paladin2]

"Volcanic dust ... linked to reduced irradiance, primary production and human health"

Not a very novel finding.

[chajin]

According to my old notes, the famine hits Constantinople in 536, then the plague in 541 (as bad as the Black Death of 1347, though it doesn’t get the same cachet in legend). Just as the plague begins to recede, the major earthquake of 557 destroys much of the city, and two years later, while the rubble is still being removed, the Huns (under Zabergan, not Attila) show up, but miraculously Belisarius is able to keep them from invading the city. And we think we have it bad.

[blueunicorn6]

So the earth puts some ash up in the air, and everything falls apart?

Well, let’s take those cigarettes away from the earth, then.

Let’s put one of those nicotine patches on the earth.

Say, over Iran.

[Fiji Hill]

the years 536 and 541-544 CE AD 541-544 were very difficult...
...as well as between 541 and 544 CE AD 541-544
... began in 542 CE AD 542

FIFY

[FlingWingFlyer]

Don’t tell little Georgie Soros’ “Science” marchers this. It will break their little, pea-picking snowflake hearts.

[Texas Eagle]

An extended period of little light may make it difficult for humans to survive.

It MAY make it more difficult?

Wow. The science doesn't get more settled than that, does it? Thanks scientists.

[bgill]

Ban volcanos!

[dainbramaged]

It’s been proven that a nearby volcanic eruption can flat out ruin your day.

[sneakers]

I wonder what the solar cycle was then. Was the sun at a sunspot miminum similar to the Maunder and Dalton minimums? There seems to be a correlation between sunspot minimums and natural disasters. The years of the Black Plague were during a solar minimum as well, I believe.