Volcanic soot, sand, and ash falls: five striking details from historical reports

In 1819, Montreal experienced extreme darkness and soot showers followed by a shock of an earthquake.

In 1815, darkness occasioned in the day time by ashes in Java equalled the darkest night known.

In 1755, black dust smelling strongly of sulphur covered the faces and hands of people in Shetland.

In 472, a great fall of black dust fell near Constantinople, during which the heavens seemed to burn.

In 1835, volcanic ashes from Cosequina fell on Jamaica after traveling 700 miles against the regular wind.