Volcanic activity can significantly affect climate in several ways:
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Gas and ash filtering out solar radiation: When a volcano erupts, it emits ash and various gases, primarily sulfur dioxide (SO2). This ash and gas can enter the stratosphere, where it spreads around the globe. Sulfur dioxide can convert into sulfate aerosols, which reflect sunlight back into space. This filtering out of solar radiation can lead to a temporary cooling effect on the Earth's surface, causing the temperature to decrease.
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Water vapor and carbon dioxide release: Volcanoes also release water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2) during eruptions. Increased concentrations of CO2 are a greenhouse gas, which can contribute to a warming effect on the climate over the long term, particularly if the levels remain elevated for extended periods. Therefore, this process can cause the climate to get warmer.
In summary, volcanic eruptions can cause short-term cooling due to ash and aerosols reflecting sunlight, but they may contribute to long-term warming through the release of greenhouse gases like CO2.
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