Which volcanic eruption sent the highest eruption column ever observed into the atmosphere?
Quick Answer
The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines is one of the highest recorded, with an ash column rising about 35 km into the atmosphere.
The Full Story
Mount Pinatubo’s June 1991 eruption was a major VEI-6 event and one of the best-measured explosive eruptions in modern history. The eruption column rose to roughly 35 kilometers, punching well into the stratosphere. Its sulfur aerosols cooled global temperatures by about 0.5 °C for a short period, making it one of the clearest examples of a volcano affecting climate. The eruption also forced the evacuation of large areas and caused hundreds of deaths, mainly from roof collapses and lahars. Pinatubo is now a classic case study in volcanic monitoring and disaster preparedness.
Key Facts
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"The volcano that blasted ash higher than many jets fly"