[upchuck]

From the article:

Such was the size of the eruption that its sulphurous gases would have released a stratospheric aerosol veil or dry fog that blocked out sunlight, altered atmospheric circulation patterns and cooled the Earth's surface. It caused crops to wither, bringing famine, pestilence and death.

Would have? Really? Where's the proof. Or is this just more journolist surmising?

If they are sure this is what happened, why not drop the words "would have" from the sentence above?

[Pontiac]

More recent history

The eruption of Kracatoa in 1883 is deemed responsible for a volcanic winter that reduced temperatures worldwide by an average of 1.2 degrees Celsius for the next 5 years

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1883_eruption_of_Krakatoa