Question

It has been suggested that sending millions of tons of sulfate into the stratosphere could block sunlight and cool the planet. This process would replicate the effect of what natural phenomenon? Option 1: Volcanic eruptions Option 2: Greenhouse gas emissions Option 3: Solar flares Option 4: Forest fires

Answer 1

The process is similar to the natural phenomenon caused by volcanic eruptions, where solids and gases released during an eruption block out sunlight and trigger lower global temperatures, an effect known as haze-effect cooling.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process of sending millions of tons of sulfate into the stratosphere to block sunlight and cool the planet is similar to the phenomenon caused by volcanic eruptions. Volcanic eruptions release solids and gases, including sulfur dioxide, into the atmosphere which can cause short-term climate changes. By blocking out sunlight, these substances create a cooling effect known as haze-effect cooling. This effect was notably observed in 1783 when volcanoes in Iceland erupted and caused the release of large volumes of sulfuric oxide.

Learn more about Volcanic Eruptions