Major volcanic eruptions can have a significant effect on the flow of the biggest rivers around the world, a first-of-its-kind study has found.
Scientists sought to better understand how big volcanic eruptions, which can trigger a shortage of rainfall in many regions of the world, can impact rivers.
Their findings could help scientists predict how water availability in regions throughout the world might be affected by future eruptions.
Researchers sought to learn more about the impact of a process in which volcanoes give off aerosol particles that reflect sunlight, cooling the atmosphere and leading to reduced rainfall. A team from the University of Edinburgh analysed records of flow in 50 major rivers. Their study spanned the dates of major eruptions, from Krakatoa in 1883 to Pinatubo in 1991.