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Hidden Stories in Ancient Records: Why Did Volcanic Eruptions Become Important Historical Events in Ancient Korea and Japan?
In 946 AD, a destructive volcanic eruption occurred on the border of Korea and China. The volcano was called Baekdu Mountain (also known as Changbai Mountain). The event, known as the Millennium Eruption or Cheonchi Eruption, was not only one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in history, but also a major link in ancient Korean and Japanese culture. Its far-reaching impact has made the volcanic eruption part of the common memory of the people of both countries.
The Millennium Eruption ejected an estimated 13 to 47 cubic kilometers of magma, forming the present-day Tianchi Lake and causing major environmental changes between 938 and 946. The ash from this eruption covered a vast area of the Sea of Japan and northern Japan. Such volcanic activity profoundly affected the climate at the time and was recorded in later historical documents.
The ash layers from this eruption, especially the layer known as the "Paektu-Sukau ash," have become important markers for tracing regional sedimentary records.
According to ancient records, some unusual meteorological phenomena occurred in both Korea and Japan during the eruption. Japan's Nihonkiji records the shaking sound that occurred on February 19, 944, and in early 946, Korea's Goryeo history also mentioned the sound of drums from heaven and rumbling sounds in the sky. These records show ancient peoples' sensitive observation of natural phenomena and provide evidence of volcanic activity to future generations.
Both Korean and Japanese records dated November 3, 946, mention white ash falling like snow, which may have been derived from the white volcanic ash from the first eruption.
Based on tree ring analysis and ice core research, scientists confirmed the specific time of the eruption. Tree ring records show that many trees died as a result of the eruption, which also strengthened the assessment of the eruption date. This series of scientific experiments and analyses not only allows us to re-understand this volcanic event, but also has a profound impact on the climate and ecological environment of ancient Korean and Japanese societies.
The dynamics of volcanic eruptions have been extensively studied and shown to have multiple phases. The first phase of the Plinian eruption produced large amounts of ash and formed thick deposits, which were followed by lava flows that carried volcanic material far from the crater. The second phase of the eruption was more complex, with multi-layered ash distribution and ultimately a richer volcanic feature.
This volcanic eruption not only reshaped the local natural landscape, but also became a social and cultural memory, leaving a deep mark in both literature and art.
As for the impact of this eruption on the climate, although some studies have pointed out that it may have caused global climate change, more recent studies have shown that its impact seems to be mainly concentrated at the regional level, especially affecting agricultural activities at the time. had some negative impact. Historians believe that this eruption not only affected the environment, but also reflected the fragility and instability of society at that time, leading to panic among the people and their reverence for the power of nature.
In conclusion, the eruption of Mount Paektu in 946 AD was undoubtedly an important turning point in the history of ancient Korea and Japan, not only because of the impact of its natural disaster, but also because of how this event profoundly affected the development of the civilizations of the two countries. . This volcanic activity gives us not only scientific enlightenment, but also important thoughts on the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. What kind of mark did all this leave on the lives of ancient people?
