Volcanoes and Global Warming
- Conduct an enquiry-based classroom activity about the different atmospheric aerosols and gases released during volcanic eruptions and how they affect climate.
- This activity will help students to study data of emissions from volcanic eruptions.
- The activity is available as a PDF file.
- This classroom activity can be used to extend the understanding of what kind of material is ejected into the atmosphere as a result of volcanic activity i.e. ash (fine dust) and several gases. Use the text to specify that water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are the main gases released.
- Of these, water vapour and carbon dioxide are greenhouse gases and can directly contribute towards warming of the earth's surface.
- Sulphur dioxide, on the other hand, has an indirect effect on climate by forming sulfate aerosols. Emphasize on the role of these sulfate aerosols on climate as they directly absorb or reflect light energy or indirectly, through cloud formation, cause heating or cooling on the earth's surface.
- Using the data provided, try to draw bar graphs to compare the percentages of the types of gases released from volcanic eruptions in disparate geographic locations.
- Use the 'Extend Your Thinking' section to analyse two cases of volcanic eruptions in the past and the impact of sulphate aerosols on the global climate.
Aerial view of erupting and smoking volcano
An activity for 'Conceptualizing climate and climate change' by Purdue University