Mount Pinatubo Eruption (IMAGE) Rutgers University Caption Volcanic eruptions contributed to the collapse of dynasties in China in the last 2,000 years by temporarily cooling the climate and affecting agriculture, according to a Rutgers coauthored study. Credit Rutgers University-New Brunswick Usage Restrictions Credit Rutgers University-New Brunswick License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.