Context:
Recently, researchers studied the volcanic winter, a climatic cooling effect caused by large-scale volcanic eruptions to understand its effects
Volcanic winter:
- A cooling impact on climate resulting from extensive volcanic eruptions
- Studies showed that some planet-wide cooling occurs and estimates to be ranged between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
- Occurrence –
- A massive volcanic eruption can deposit enormous amounts of ascending light coloured volcanic ash and sulphur aerosols above the troposphere and into the lower stratosphere
- These erupted particles reflect incoming solar radiation, resulting in cooler temperatures on the earth below know as ‘global cooling’
- They can remain there for 2 years causing global cooling
- The air between the troposphere and the stratosphere eventually mixes causing these particles to fall into the troposphere and wash down on the earth through precipitation
To qualify as a super eruption, a volcano must release more than 240 cubic miles (1,000 cubic kilometers) of magma. These eruptions are extremely powerful, and rare.
The most recent super eruption occurred more than 22,000 years ago in New Zealand. The best-known example may be the eruption that blasted Yellowstone Crater in Wyoming about 2 million years ago.
Stratospheric aerosol injection:
- A solar radiation management (srm) geo-engineering or climate engineering approach
- It uses tiny reflective particles or aerosols to reflect sunlight into space in order to cool the planet and reverse or stop Global Warming
- The approach involves spraying reflective sulfate aerosol particles into the stratosphere with high altitude airplanes, tethered balloons, high-altitude blimps or artillery
Aerosol:
- A suspension system of solid or liquid particles in a gas
- It includes both the particles and the suspending gas, which is usually air
- Usually refer them as particle matter – PM2.5 or PM10 (depending on their size)
- Sources –
- Natural – Desert dust, sea spray, and volcanic eruptions
- Other – Burning fossil fuels, biofuels, and vegetation
- Used in – Deodorants and antiperspirants, perfumes and body sprays to kill odors and leave a long lasting fresh scent
Source: India Today
Previous Year Question
Consider the following:
1. Aerosols
2. Foam agents
3. Fire retardants
4. Lubricants
In the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (d)
