Dark Skies: Volcanic Contribution to Climate Change
Jan 17, 2016
Dark Skies: Volcanic Contribution to Climate Change
Volcanoes
Mount St. Helens, May 1980
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/Images/
Mount St. Helens, May 1980
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/Images/
Compare and Contrast Images
Image A Image B
Layer of fine dropletsfollowing the Pinatubo eruption
Pristine Atmosphere
Volcanic Contribution to Climate Change
Step 1
Ash and gas enter the atmosphere
Volcanic Contribution to Climate Change
Step 2
Ash and gas spread throughout the atmosphere.
Eventually, the Earth is wrapped in a layer of ash and gas.
Ash and gas plume from Mt. Etna, in northeastern Sicily.
Volcanic Contribution to Climate Change
Step 3
Ash and gas block energy from the Sun.
Earth's temperature drops.
Volcanic Contribution to Climate Change
Step 4
Heat radiating off the surface of Earth becomes trapped in the layer formed by the eruption.
Trapped heat changes global climate patterns.
Krakatau Sunsets 1883-85
Krakatau 1883 El Chichon 1982