how can volcanic eruptions affect the temperature and global warming in terms of the atmosphere and ozone layer and how will this help in decreasing the effects of global warming?
2006-10-01 22:10:50 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
If anything, volcanos can increase global warming as they produce vast amounts of CO2
One way in which they can cool the Earth is with the amount of ash pumped into the upper atmosphere. This can reflect sunlight and cool the Earth. This is the same effect as the suggested "nuclear winter" if there was a large discharge of nuclear weapons.
The cooling due to ash would be short term (say up to 1 year). The CO2 warming effect would be much more long term
2006-10-01 22:17:36 · answer #1 · answered by amania_r 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first two answers are right... the ash in the atmosphere filters the sunlight, lowering global temperature, much like ozone does. According to Wikipedia, the massive eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 reduced global temperatures by as much as 1.2 degrees celcius for the year following the eruption, and weather patterns were disturbed for about 5 years. But this is the biggest volcanic eruption in recorded history, so I doubt all eruptions would significant effects.
2006-10-03 01:43:53 · answer #2 · answered by dave_eee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The resulting clouds may block sunlight from being absorbed, and thus have a cooling effect.
2006-10-02 05:15:54 · answer #3 · answered by Sanmigsean 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they think if enuff ash is in the sky it will block the sun
2006-10-03 02:06:36 · answer #4 · answered by hondacobra 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋