Helena Joyce
Volcanic eruptions are a source of natural pollution, releasing gases, lava, small rocks, steam, and ash onto the surface of the Earth and into the atmosphere. The gases released by volcanoes include carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, and sulphur dioxide, which can cause global cooling. Volcanic eruptions can also release harmful pollutants such as hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen chloride. These gases and particles can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health, with those suffering from asthma being particularly vulnerable. While volcanic eruptions can have a significant impact on the climate, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have a much greater effect on carbon dioxide emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Volcanic eruptions are rare and occur globally only once every 10 years or so. |
| Carbon dioxide emissions | Volcanic eruptions release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide released by volcanoes is a greenhouse gas and is the primary gas blamed for climate change. However, human activities far outweigh volcanoes in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. |
| Sulphur dioxide emissions | Volcanic eruptions release sulphur dioxide, which can cause global cooling. |
| Ash | Volcanic eruptions produce ash clouds, which can reach up to 50 km and disperse out to a distance of 100 to 1,000 miles. Ash particles can settle on the earth's surface and have detrimental effects on the surrounding biosphere. Inhaling volcanic ash can be harmful to human health. |
| Fluoride | Volcanoes release fluoride-laden ash particles, which can impair the biosphere when concentrations on the earth's surface reach a minimum of 250 ppm. |
| Hydrogen chloride | Hydrogen chloride released by volcanoes is poisonous and has a pungent, irritating odor with a yellow-green color. |
| Pyroclastic flow | Pyroclastic flow from volcanoes can reach speeds of 700 km/h. |
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What You'll Learn
Volcanic gases: CO2, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen fluoride
Volcanic gases are released from active or dormant volcanoes in several ways. These include gases trapped in cavities in volcanic rocks, dissolved or dissociated gases in magma and lava, gases emanating from lava, volcanic craters, or vents, and gases emitted through groundwater heated by volcanic action. The principal components of volcanic gases are water vapour, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Volcanoes emit carbon dioxide in two ways: during eruptions and through underground magma. Carbon dioxide from underground magma is released through vents, porous rocks and soils, and water that feeds volcanic lakes and hot springs. While human activities have far surpassed volcanic activity in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, volcanoes have occasionally contributed to global warming over geological time by producing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
Sulphur dioxide is a volcanic gas that can irritate the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract. Short-term overexposure can cause inflammation and irritation, resulting in burning eyes, coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. Even low concentrations of sulphur dioxide downwind of volcanoes can be hazardous to human health. For example, ambient concentrations of SO2 in a tourist car park near Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii rose to 4.0 ppm during an episodic increase in activity, significantly exceeding health guidelines.
Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
Hydrogen chloride is another volcanic gas that can react with other atmospheric particles to form aerosols. While specific impacts of hydrogen chloride on humans have not been widely documented, it contributes to the overall toxicity of volcanic gases.
Hydrogen Fluoride (HF)
Hydrogen fluoride is a colourless gas with a strong irritating odour. While primary volcanic hydrogen fluoride levels at degassing volcanoes are typically within safe limits, secondary effects such as contamination of drinking water and soils by fluoride are well-documented. High levels of fluoride have been found in vegetation, water, and ash near volcanoes, posing risks to both human and animal health.
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Ash clouds
The impact of ash clouds on aircraft is concerning. Volcanic ash can lead to abrasion and damage to critical components, including windshields, landing lights, and engines. This abrasion reduces visibility and affects sensors, posing serious safety risks. Additionally, the melting of volcanic glass within the ash can cause resolidification and accumulation on turbine nozzle guide vanes, resulting in compressor stalls and potential loss of engine thrust. Volcanic gases within these ash clouds also contribute to engine and windshield damage.
To address these challenges, the Airborne Volcanic Object Infrared Detector (AVOID) system has been developed by Dr Fred Prata. This system, utilizing infrared cameras, enables pilots to detect ash plumes ahead of time and navigate safely around them. Ground and satellite-based technologies, such as radar and lidar, also play a crucial role in detecting and monitoring ash clouds. Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAAC) facilitate the sharing of this critical information between meteorological agencies, observatories, and airline companies.
Volcanic ash clouds have notable environmental impacts as well. Small accumulations of ash on the ground can reduce visibility, create slippery runways, and disrupt airport operations. Additionally, volcanic ash can infiltrate communication and electrical systems, interrupt ground services, and damage buildings and parked aircraft. When fluoride-laden ash particles settle on the Earth's surface, they can impair the surrounding biosphere, including grass that may be consumed by livestock, leading to adverse health effects.
While the immediate impacts of ash clouds are significant, their long-term effects on the climate are relatively minor. The injected ash generally falls rapidly from the stratosphere and does not significantly influence climate change. However, the volcanic gases released, such as sulfur dioxide, can cause global cooling, while carbon dioxide emissions may contribute to global warming over time.
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Aerosol droplets
These aerosol droplets have a significant impact on the climate, contributing to what is known as "volcanic cooling." The droplets increase the reflection of radiation from the sun back into space, resulting in a cooling effect on the Earth's lower atmosphere or troposphere. This phenomenon has been observed following major volcanic eruptions, such as the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, which injected a 20-million-ton sulphur dioxide cloud into the stratosphere. The resulting aerosol disturbance cooled the Earth's surface for three years, with temperatures dropping by as much as 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit.
While volcanic eruptions can have a noticeable impact on the climate, their frequency is relatively low, and they do not occur often enough to match the constant and increasing human-caused pollution. The cooling effect of volcanic aerosols is temporary and is typically outweighed by the warming effect of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2).
It is worth noting that volcanic gases and ash can pose serious health hazards to nearby populations. Inhaling these pollutants can be harmful, and people with asthma may experience worsened symptoms during periods of high volcanic pollution. It is crucial for individuals living near active volcanoes to follow local guidance and take necessary precautions to protect their health during volcanic eruptions.
Overall, while volcanoes emit aerosol droplets that can influence climate patterns and have health implications, the impact of human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, remains significantly more substantial in contributing to global pollution and climate change.
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Climate change: global warming and cooling
Volcanic eruptions release carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and other gases into the atmosphere. While carbon dioxide has the potential to promote global warming, the impact of volcanic eruptions on climate change is complex and depends on various factors.
Firstly, it is important to consider the frequency and scale of volcanic eruptions. While very large volcanic eruptions can inject significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, they are relatively rare, occurring approximately once a decade. In comparison, human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, continuously emit substantial amounts of carbon dioxide annually, far exceeding volcanic emissions. Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, human activities have added more than 2,000 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
Secondly, the composition of gases released during volcanic eruptions can vary. Volcanoes emit carbon dioxide through eruptions and underground magma. However, they also release other gases, such as sulfur dioxide, which can cause global cooling. The conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfuric acid in the stratosphere forms fine sulfate aerosols that increase the reflection of radiation from the Sun, resulting in a cooling effect on the Earth's lower atmosphere. This cooling impact can last for several years, depending on the eruption's magnitude.
The Philippines' Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991 is a notable example of the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions. It injected a 20-million-ton sulfur dioxide cloud into the stratosphere, causing a temporary drop in global temperatures of up to 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit for three years. While large-scale eruptions like Mount Pinatubo can have a significant cooling impact, even more massive eruptions may be needed to penetrate the stratosphere in a significantly warmer world.
Additionally, volcanic ash and dust released during eruptions can also contribute to temporary cooling by shading incoming solar radiation. The cooling effect depends on the size of the particles, with smaller particles staying in the stratosphere longer and blocking sunlight over large areas. However, larger particles tend to fall out of the air quickly, limiting their cooling impact.
While volcanic eruptions can have both warming and cooling effects on the climate, it is important to note that human-driven climate change can also influence volcanic activity. For example, declining ice cover can trigger more frequent eruptions near the poles. Furthermore, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may enhance the cooling effect of volcanic plumes, allowing them to reach higher, spread faster, and reflect more sunlight.
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Health hazards: asthma and other respiratory issues
Volcanic eruptions can have serious health implications, particularly for those with pre-existing respiratory issues. The gases and ash released during an eruption can be harmful when inhaled, and the ash can spread for miles downwind of the eruption.
Volcanic ash is a particular concern for those with asthma, as it can trigger attacks and cause wheezing, coughing, and respiratory irritation. The fine particles in the ash can be inhaled, causing irritation and inflammation in the airways. This can lead to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, even death. Children, older adults, and those with lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are also at higher risk of experiencing respiratory issues due to volcanic ash.
Volcanic gases, including sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen chloride, can form volcanic smog or "vog". This smog contains highly acidic aerosols, mainly sulfuric acid and other sulfur-related compounds. These tiny particles can be breathed deep into the lungs, causing irritation and affecting lung function. The gases in vog can cause a range of respiratory issues, including wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
During a volcanic eruption, it is essential to follow local guidance and take precautions to minimize exposure to volcanic gases and ash. Staying indoors, closing doors and windows, and turning off ventilation systems can help reduce the risk of inhaling harmful particles. Those with asthma or other respiratory conditions should carry their medication with them and follow their asthma action plan. In the event of symptoms, it is crucial to move away from the area and seek medical advice if necessary.
Volcanic pollution can have significant respiratory health consequences, particularly for vulnerable individuals with asthma or other lung conditions. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions, people can minimize the potential impact on their respiratory health during volcanic eruptions.
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Frequently asked questions
Volcanic eruptions release gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, and hydrogen chloride into the atmosphere.
Volcanic eruptions can have both warming and cooling effects on the climate. While carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that can cause global warming, volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide can cause global cooling. Large eruptions that inject huge amounts of volcanic gas, aerosol droplets, and ash into the stratosphere can lead to a decline in average temperature at the Earth's surface.
Volcanic eruptions can result in serious health hazards, especially for individuals with asthma. Inhaling volcanic gases and ash can aggravate respiratory issues and lead to negative health effects. It is important to follow local guidance and move away from areas with high pollution levels during an eruption.
Volcanic eruptions release significant amounts of carbon dioxide, but human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have a much larger impact on the environment. Human-caused carbon dioxide emissions far exceed those from volcanoes, with humanity emitting the same amount of carbon dioxide as a large volcanic eruption in a much shorter time.
