Volcanic Eruptions Can Have a Cooling Effect on Earth’s Surface Temperature
JAKARTA – A new study led by the University of Cambridge suggests that volcanic eruptions with a scale of two to four can cause a cooling effect on the temperature of the earth’s surface. This finding is considered to be able to compensate for rising global temperatures due to human activities.
May Chim, a researcher from the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, explained that while the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions is significant, it is not substantial enough to offset the rise in global temperatures triggered by human actions. However, the research team proposes that smaller eruptions could be responsible for up to half of all the sulfur gases released by volcanoes into the upper atmosphere.
The results of the study, reported in the journal Geophysics Research Letters, suggest that increasing the representation of volcanic eruptions of all magnitudes in climate projections will make them more robust. “When a volcano erupts, it is not something that humans can control. But volcanoes do play an important role in the global climate system,” said Chim, quoted from Scitech Daily.
During an eruption, a volcano spews sulfur gas into the upper atmosphere, which forms small particles called aerosols. These aerosols reflect sunlight back into space, resulting in a cooling effect on the earth’s surface temperature. For very large eruptions, such as the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the volume of volcanic aerosol is so large that it single-handedly causes global temperatures to drop.
“These projections rely mostly on ice cores to estimate how volcanoes might affect climate, but smaller eruptions are too small to detect in ice core records,” added Chim. To overcome this limitation, the research team used the latest ice and satellite records to come up with 1,000 different scenarios of future volcanic activity. They chose scenarios representing lower, median, and high levels of volcanic activity and performed climate simulations using British Earth system models.
The findings of this study highlight the importance of considering volcanic eruptions of all magnitudes in climate projections. By doing so, scientists can better understand and predict the impact of volcanic activity on global temperatures. While volcanic eruptions alone may not be enough to counteract the effects of human-induced climate change, they play a significant role in the complex global climate system.
As the study concludes, it is crucial to continue studying and monitoring volcanic activity to improve climate projections and develop effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
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How do volcanic eruptions contribute to the cooling of the Earth’s surface temperature?
N a recent publication by the University of Cambridge, shed light on the potential cooling effect of volcanic eruptions on the Earth’s surface temperature. The research suggests that volcanic eruptions in the range of two to four in scale have the ability to counteract rising global temperatures caused by human activities.
The study, led by May Chim from the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, highlights the significance of volcanic eruptions in cooling the planet. While their impact is not substantial enough to fully offset the rise in global temperatures, it is noteworthy that smaller eruptions may be responsible for releasing sulfur gases into the upper atmosphere.
The findings propose that these smaller eruptions could contribute up to half of all sulfur gases emitted by volcanoes. Sulfur gases have the potential to form aerosol particles in the atmosphere, which can reflect sunlight and thus have a cooling effect on the Earth’s surface.
It is important to note that while volcanic eruptions do offer temporary relief from escalating global temperatures, they are not a long-term solution. The study underscores the significance of addressing human-induced climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to effectively counteract global warming.
As efforts to curb human activities that contribute to climate change continue, this research offers valuable insights into the complex interactions between natural forces and the global climate system. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of various factors in affecting the Earth’s temperature and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach in addressing climate change.
This article sheds light on the often overlooked impact of smaller volcanic eruptions in shaping climate projections. By exploring the cooling effect of these eruptions, it highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of all volcanic activities to accurately anticipate the future climate trends.