Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Volcanic eruption cools the Earth’s surface temporarily by creating particles that reflect sunlight back into space.
Statement-II: Volcanoes eruption releases smoke containing sulfur dioxide.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation –
Statement-I is correct. Volcanic eruptions can cool the Earth’s surface temporarily by releasing aerosols, such as sulfur dioxide, which form sulfate aerosols that reflect sunlight back into space, increasing the Earth’s albedo and reducing the amount of solar radiation reaching the surface.
Statement-II: Sulfur dioxide is one of the primary gases released during volcanic eruptions, along with water vapor and carbon dioxide. When SO2 is released into the atmosphere, it can form sulfate aerosols, which contribute to the cooling effect described in Statement I.
Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement II provides the correct explanation for Statement I.
Source: The Hindu
