Q. Consider the following statements:
1. Positive Climate forcing cools the Earth, while negative forcing has been observed to warm it.
2. Large volcanic eruption can have a temporary global cooling effect.
3. 2011-2020 was the warmest decade because there has been no major volcanic eruption in last three decades that had a recorded cooling effect on global temperature.
Which of the statements given above are incorrect?

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C
Notes:
  • Statement 1 is incorrect– Positive forcing warms the Earth, while negative forcing cools it Some of the most important types of forcing include: variations in solar radiation levels, volcanic eruptions(negative forcing), etc. 
  • Statement 2 is correct– SO2 from volcanic eruptions reacts with water to form sulphuric acid droplets. The sulphuric acid-rich aerosol particles induce cooling by reflecting the incoming sunlight into space. 
  • Statement 3 is incorrect-There was a huge volcanic explosion in 1991 at Mount Pinatubo(Philippines ). Researchers recorded a 0.5 degrees Celsius (°C) drop in the average global temperature over large parts of the earth between 1992 and 1993 due to it. 

Source- https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/natural-disasters/will-tonga-volcanic-eruption-affect-global-climate–81149 

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