Volcanoes can have not only an effect on an areas land-froms but can also dramatically effect the climate. Large-scale volcanic activity may last only a few days, but the massive outpouring of gases and ash can influence climate patterns for years. Sulfuric gases convert to sulfate aerosols, sub-micron droplets containing about 75 percent sulfuric acid. Following eruptions, these aerosol particles can linger as long as three to four years in the stratosphere.
When Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines June 15, 1991, an estimated 20 million tons of sulfur dioxide and ash particles blasted more than 12 miles (20 km) high into the atmosphere. The eruption caused widespread destruction and loss of human life. Gases and solids injected into the stratosphere circled the globe for three weeks. Volcanic eruptions of this magnitude can impact global climate, reducing the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface, lowering temperatures in the troposphere, and changing atmospheric circulation patterns.
By understanding the impact of large volcanic eruptions on Earth's climate system in more detail, perhaps scientists will be in a better position to suggest measures to lessen their effects on people and natural resources. Ash from volcanic eruptions can block out the sun causing temperature drop, acid rain. Both effecting our agriculture. The sun being blocked with ash, and the atmosphere being tainted to cause acid rain could wipe out, or contaminate crops. Lose of crops could mean lose of life, money, and even could effect the many harvest to come.
The extent to which this occurs is an ongoing debate.
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