Deep-sea ash layers reveal evidence for large, late Pleistocene and Holocene explosive activity from Sumatra, Indonesia

► In this study we examine marine tephra deposits collected along the Sunda trench. ► Radiocarbon age determinations constrain deposition of tephras from late Pleistocene to Holocene. ► Electron microprobe and LA-ICPMS major and trace element data collected from tephra glass shards. ► Geochemical data define seven previously undocumented explosive volcanic eruptions from Sumatra. ► Central Sumatra likely experienced large explosive activity in the Holocene.