Like volcanic dust, these gases trap the earth's heat, preventing it from radiating out into space and cooling the planet. Two scientists say volcanic eruptions may have little effect on climate cooling. The cold weather in 1816 has been blamed on a series of eruptions worldwide between 1812 and 1815, but the periodic warming and cooling effect of El Nino, which brought arctic air south, was also involved. Only the largest eruptions effect a modest cooling for one or two years. A new study suggests that global temperatures are likely to rise by about 0.2°C over the next century if emissions continue at their current rate. Also, volcanic dust has a negligible effect because it shades a small portion of the earth's surface.
Two scientists say volcanic eruptions may have little effect on climate cooling. The cold weather in 1816 has been blamed on a series of eruptions worldwide between 1812 and 1815, but the periodic warming and cooling effect of El Nino, which brought arctic air south, was also involved. Only the largest eruptions effect a modest cooling for one or two years. A new study suggests that global temperatures are likely to rise by about 0.2°C over the next century if emissions continue at their current rate. Also, volcanic dust has a negligible effect because it shades a small portion of the earth's surface.