In the Philippines in 1991, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo sent 20 million tons of sulfur dioxide particles as well as other aerosols into Earth’s upper atmosphere. Average global temperatures were cited as falling by 0.50 C in the following year as the gas cloud was carried around the world.
What explains why global temperatures fell?
Responses
Aerosol particles were transported via evaporation and condensation processes in precipitation worldwide, and the rain caused a cooling effect.
Aerosol particles were transported via evaporation and condensation processes in precipitation worldwide, and the rain caused a cooling effect.
The explosion of such a huge amount of hot gases into Earth’s atmosphere triggered a negative feedback process which overcompensated causing a cooling effect.
The explosion of such a huge amount of hot gases into Earth’s atmosphere triggered a negative feedback process which overcompensated causing a cooling effect.
Aerosol particles would have been cooled by the atmosphere; the particles would then have returned to Earth during precipitation with a cooling effect.
Aerosol particles would have been cooled by the atmosphere; the particles would then have returned to Earth during precipitation with a cooling effect.
Upper-level winds carried the aerosols worldwide, and in Earth’s upper atmosphere their high albedo reflected incoming radiation back to space.
Upper-level winds carried the aerosols worldwide, and in Earth’s upper atmosphere their high albedo reflected incoming radiation back to space.
The correct response is: Upper-level winds carried the aerosols worldwide, and in Earth’s upper atmosphere their high albedo reflected incoming radiation back to space.
The correct response is: Upper-level winds carried the aerosols worldwide, and in Earth’s upper atmosphere their high albedo reflected incoming radiation back to space.
Explanation: When Mount Pinatubo erupted, it released a large amount of sulfur dioxide particles and other aerosols into the Earth's upper atmosphere. These aerosols were carried by upper-level winds, spreading them around the world. The aerosols in the upper atmosphere had a high albedo (ability to reflect sunlight), which means they reflected a significant amount of incoming solar radiation back into space. This reflected radiation reduced the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth's surface, leading to a cooling effect and a decrease in average global temperatures.