Imagine a volcanic eruption so large it spewed 24 cubic miles of ash, rock, and gases into the air, produced smoke that could be seen from 300 miles away, and completely altered the planet's climate ...

In 1815, Mount Tambora experienced the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history. The eruption's effects altered Earth's climate for years and even led to the "year without summer" in 1816.

Mount Tambora changed the world. In 1815, the Indonesian volcano exploded in the most powerful eruption in recorded history, sending an enormous plume of tiny sun-reflecting particles high into the ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world. Volcanoes are among the most awe-inspiring forces of nature ...

The Pompeii of the East -- The little (volcanic) Ice Age -- "This end of the world weather" -- Blue death in Bengal -- The seven sorrows of Yunnan -- The polar garden -- Ice tsunami in the Alps -- The ...

Cataclysmic volcanic eruptions are rare — but inevitable. Governments should not only work to stem global warming, but also prepare for other extreme events with a planet-wide impact. The 1815 massive ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world. When a volcanic eruption shook the world in 1815, it left ...