Dark Skies: Volcanic Contribution to Climate Change
Volcanoes
Mount St. Helens, May
Mount St. Helens, May
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Layer of fine droplets following 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 Krakatau 1883 El Chichon 1982