Subscribe now

Environment

Climate cooling effect of volcanoes is bigger than we thought

Analysis of sulphate particles in a Greenland ice core suggests we have underestimated the impact of volcanoes, and overestimated the contribution of anthropogenic sources

By Kate Ravilious

10 January 2023

Volcano crater

Volcanoes emit gases that have a cooling effect on the climate

Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Moment RF/Getty Images

Volcanoes are emitting up to three times more climate-cooling gases than previously thought, according to an analysis of tiny particles in a Greenland ice core.

Sulphate aerosols have a cooling effect on the climate by altering clouds and reflecting solar radiation. Gases released by volcanoes, marine phytoplankton and the burning of fossil fuels all contribute to the production of sulphate aerosols, but measuring the contribution from each source is very hard, so there is uncertainty about their climate impact.

To …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account