Question

Large volcanic eruptions can have an almost immediate effect on Earth's climate. Rather than warming the climate volcanic eruptions helps to cool the climate. During the 1900's there were three large eruptions that caused the entire planet to cool down by as much as 1°C. Volcanic coolings persist for only 2 to 3 years because the released aerosols fall out of the stratosphere and enter the lower atmosphere where rain and wind quickly wash them away. Using the model, can you elaborate on the reason a volcanic eruption might cool the climate?

Answer 1

Answer:

Most of the particles spewed from volcanoes cool the planet by shading incoming solar radiation. The cooling effect can last for months to years depending on the characteristics of the eruption. Volcanoes have also caused global warming over millions of years during times in Earth’s history when extreme amounts of volcanism occurred, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Explanation:

Even though volcanoes are in specific places on Earth, their effects can be more widely distributed as gases, dust, and ash get into the atmosphere. Because of atmospheric circulation patterns, eruptions in the tropics can have an effect on the climate in both hemispheres while eruptions at mid or high latitudes only have impact the hemisphere they are within.