No evidence for tephra in Greenland from the historic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE: implications for geochronology and paleoclimatology

Abstract. Volcanic fallout in polar ice sheets provides important opportunities to date and correlate ice-core records as well investigate the environmental impacts of eruptions. Only geochemical characterization volcanic ash (tephra) embedded strata can confirm source eruption, however, is a requisite if historical eruption ages are be used valid chronological checks on annual layer counting. Here we report investigation particles Greenland core that associated with sulfuric acid previously attributed 79 CE Vesuvius. Major trace element composition indicates tephra does not derive from Vesuvius but most likely originates an unidentified Aleutian arc. Using dispersal modeling, find only large enough include stratospheric injection account for sizable (24–85 µm) observed at this time. Despite its explosivity, event appear have triggered significant climate perturbations, unlike some other extratropical In light recent re-evaluation chronologies, our findings further challenge previous assignation CE. We highlight need revised Common Era chronology formally accepted by wider modeling communities order ensure robust age linkages precisely dated paleoclimate proxy records.