Laki is a volcanic fissure located in southern Iceland, characterized by a series of fissure vents. It is part of a volcanic system centered on the Grímsvötn volcano and includes the Þórðarhyrna volcano.  The fissure is approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) long and lies between the glaciers of Mýrdalsjökull and Vatnajökull.

Is renowned for its catastrophic eruption that began on June 8, 1783, and lasted until February 1784. This event is considered one of the most significant volcanic occurrences in recorded history due to its extensive environmental and societal impacts.

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The Eruption and Immediate Consequences

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Over approximately eight months, the Laki fissure emitted an estimated 14 cubic kilometers of basaltic lava and around 8 million tons of hydrogen fluoride and 120 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. These emissions led to the formation of the "Laki haze," a toxic smog that caused widespread health issues and environmental damage. In Iceland, this resulted in the loss of about 50% of cattle, 80% of sheep, and significant crop failures due to acid rain. Consequently, approximately 20-25% of Iceland's human population perished from famine and related diseases during this period.

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Impact on Iceland

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The eruption's immediate effects were catastrophic for Iceland:​

• Human Fatalities: An estimated 20–25% of Iceland's population perished, primarily due to famine and diseases following the eruption.
• Livestock Losses: Approximately 80% of sheep, 50% of cattle, and 50% of horses died, mainly from fluorine poisoning after grazing on contaminated land.

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Global Impact

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Globally, the eruption released massive amounts of sulfur dioxide and other gases, leading to a "dry fog" across Europe and beyond. This environmental disaster is estimated to have caused the deaths of up to six million people worldwide in the year following the eruption, primarily due to respiratory illnesses, crop failures, and starvation.

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Global Climatic Effects

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The eruption's impact was not confined to Iceland. The massive release of sulfur dioxide led to the formation of sulfuric acid aerosols in the atmosphere, which reflected sunlight and caused a significant drop in temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as the "Laki haze," resulted in crop failures and food shortages in Europe and North America. Historical accounts describe the summer of 1783 as unusually cold and the subsequent winter as one of the harshest on record.

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• Europe: The summer of 1783 experienced a persistent haze and elevated temperatures. However, the following winter was notably severe, with temperatures dropping significantly, leading to increased mortality rates.
• North America: The winter of 1783-1784 was one of the coldest on record. The Mississippi River reportedly froze at New Orleans, and there were sightings of ice floes in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Africa and Asia: The eruption is believed to have weakened African and Indian monsoon circulations, leading to droughts and famines. In Egypt, a famine in 1784 resulted in the loss of about one-sixth of the population.

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Long-Term Environmental and Societal Impacts

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The Laki eruption had profound long-term effects. In Europe, the extreme weather conditions contributed to social and economic hardships, which some historians believe played a role in fomenting civil unrest leading up to events like the French Revolution. Additionally, the eruption highlighted the vulnerability of human societies to natural disasters and underscored the need for better understanding and preparedness.

‍Scientific Observations

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The Laki eruption provided early insights into the relationship between volcanic activity and climate. Notably, Benjamin Franklin, then in Europe, observed the "dry fog" and speculated on its volcanic origin and climatic effects, marking one of the first documented connections between volcanic eruptions and atmospheric changes. ​‍

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Is Laki at Risk of Erupting in the Near Future?

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Determining the exact probability of a future Laki-style eruption is challenging due to the complex and unpredictable nature of volcanic activity. However, studies suggest that the occurrence of a large-magnitude Laki-type event is estimated to be between one event every 200 to 500 years.  Given that over 240 years have passed since the last eruption, this places us within the estimated timeframe for a potential future event.

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Conclusion:

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In summary, the 1783-1784 Laki eruption stands as a stark reminder of the powerful influence volcanic activity can have on both local environments and global climates, with repercussions that can resonate through societies for years, even decades, after the event

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