Ancient New Zealand eruption sent volcanic glass 3000 miles to Antarctica

Scientists have discovered ancient volcanic debris from New Zealand's Taupō eruption 1,800 years ago in West Antarctica, providing evidence to pinpoint the exact timing of the eruption. The eruption, one of the most violent in the last 5,000 years, had previously been a subject of debate. The discovery of seven geochemically unique volcanic glass shards in ice cores confirms the eruption occurred in late summer/early autumn in the year 232. The shards, dispersed by wind, traveled over 3,000 miles to Antarctica, highlighting the power of the eruption. The findings also revealed glass from a much earlier eruption of the same volcano, providing a "double fingerprint" confirming the source.