Krakatoa and plague (was Re: The birds vs. the pterosaurs)

["Tim Williams" <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>]

Dann Pigdon wrote:
> >Try several YEARS. The eruption of Krakatoa in 535 AD blocked out the
> >sun in most parts of the world for 18 months. In places like Siberia,
> >cold conditions persisted for about ten years or so. I think it's
> >particularly interesting that the 535 eruption has been blamed (and
> >probably rightly so) for the spread of bubonic plague from Africa into
> >Europe for the first time in recorded history.


I have to ask, what is the connection between the eruption at Krakatoa and 
the spread of bubonic plague (caused by _Yersinia pestis_-carrying fleas) 
into Europe?  I'm genuinely very curious.

Cheers

Tim

------------------------------------------------------------

Timothy J. Williams

USDA/ARS Researcher
Agronomy Hall
Iowa State University
Ames IA 50014

Phone: 515 294 9233
Fax:   515 294 3163

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