A new research study has determined that the Los Chocoyos supereruption, one of the most significant volcanic events in history, occurred approximately 79,500 years ago. This eruption, known for its vast ash deposits, spread material over an area of approximately 2.3 million square miles, significantly impacting the surrounding environment and potentially the global climate.

The findings of the study were published in an international peer-reviewed journal, where researchers detailed how the dating of the Los Chocoyos eruption was achieved through advanced radiometric techniques. The study relied heavily on the analysis of various geological samples, including volcanic ash layers, which helped to establish a precise timeline for this cataclysmic event.

The eruption was part of a series of significant volcanic activities connected to the Central American volcanic arc. It is believed that the supereruption played a critical role in altering ecological conditions in the region. The ash fallout from Los Chocoyos would have traversed vast distances, affecting air quality and potentially disrupting local climates and ecosystems across North America and beyond.