How Do Volcanic Eruptions and CFCs Influence Global Warming?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Volcanic eruptions significantly impact global warming by releasing both CO2 and sulfur compounds. While CO2 contributes to the greenhouse effect, sulfur compounds can lead to temporary cooling by reflecting sunlight. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) in the troposphere act as greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. In the stratosphere, CFCs deplete ozone (O3), allowing more ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth, which further exacerbates warming.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of greenhouse gases and their effects on climate
  • Knowledge of volcanic activity and its atmospheric impacts
  • Familiarity with ozone depletion and its environmental consequences
  • Basic principles of atmospheric chemistry
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of sulfur dioxide in volcanic eruptions and its climatic effects
  • Study the impact of CFCs on the greenhouse effect and global warming
  • Explore the relationship between ozone depletion and increased UV radiation
  • Investigate mitigation strategies for greenhouse gas emissions
USEFUL FOR

Environmental scientists, climate change researchers, students studying atmospheric chemistry, and policymakers focused on climate action will benefit from this discussion.

Math Is Hard
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
4,650
Reaction score
36
Just a question I am a little stuck on. I missed last week's chem lecture:

What effect would each of these changes have on global warming?

a) volcanic eruptions
b) CFCs in the troposphere
c) CFCs in the stratosphere

Here's what I think so far..

a) Volcanic eruption release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere contributing to the greenhouse effect and increasing global warming.

b) no effect?

c) I know that CFCs in the stratosphere deplete the O3 that protects us from UV radiation, but does this have any effect on global warming?

Thanks for your help. :smile:

-MIH
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I am not sure about b and c but I know that a volcanic eruption would have the reverse effect of global warming because it emits sulfur which reacts with water vapor to form sulfur dioxide which then blocks the suns rays from reaching the Earth and thus cools the planet. Dont think though that just because volcanoes have the reverse effect of global warming that global warming is not a problem. Volcanoes also release Co2 contributing to the grrenhouse effect the effect of the cooling is simply more significant.
 
You were right. I just got the solutions key for my homework. I missed the boat on that one.
 
BTW - Hope you will stick around the forums. I'll probably need your help again. Thanks!
 
a) global temperature become lower
b) the Earth warms up due to CFCs is a greenhouse gas
c) CFCs lead to ozone depletion and hence more ultraviolet rays come in so it is warmer CFCs is also a greenhouse gas
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
13K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K