In April 1815 the Tambora volcano in Indonesia erupted, bringing immediate devastation to Sumbawa and the neighbouring islands. The impacts of this eruption were felt around the world for many months. In Europe and North America 1816 became known as the "Year Without a Summer" and over 100’000 people died.

The Tambora event is fascinating because it demonstrates how closely the Earth and human systems are connected. While scientific interest evolves from many specific questions at various interfaces within this system, it is also the “big picture” that matters. The bicentenary of the Tambora eruption 2015 was an opportunity to review our current understanding of the numerous aspects as a SPARC-supported conference held in Bern, Switzerland, in April 2015. Now, for the bicentenary of the 1816 “Year Without a Summer”, the picture has become much clearer. A booklet was put together to synthesise our knowledge of the Tambora eruption and the “Year Without a Summer”. Find the booklet here.