 Huaynaputina ejected 16 to 32 million metric tons of particulates into the atmosphere, notably sulfur dioxide, forming sulfuric acid and creating a volcanic winter; this reduced the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface (see "Albedo"), which scientists believe contributed to bitterly cold winters, loss of crops and animals, and massive famine around the world.As a result, people killed many animals with their bare hands to preserve their furs for warmth.The famine was documented across the world