Why do volcanic eruptions change the weather and climate?
Quick Answer
Big eruptions can inject sulfur gases high into the stratosphere, where they form reflective sulfate aerosols. These particles can cool the planet for one to a few years.
The Full Story
Explosive eruptions that reach the stratosphere can spread sulfur dioxide around the globe. There it reacts to form sulfate aerosols, which reflect a portion of sunlight back to space. This can lower global temperatures temporarily and alter rainfall patterns. The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo cooled global average temperatures by about 0.5 °C for roughly 1–2 years. Smaller eruptions can still affect regional weather, but the biggest climate effects require high injection into the upper atmosphere.
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