The study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, sheds light on the use of aerosols to enhance the sunlight reflection by clouds. By analyzing satellite and meteorological data from a naturally occurring aerosol injection caused by the eruption of a volcano in Hawaii, researchers found that cloud coverage surged by up to 50 percent during periods of volcanic eruptions. This substantial expansion in cloud coverage resulted in cooling of up to negative 10 Watts per square meter.
Volcano eruptions and cloud coverage
The researchers analyzed the impact of aerosols from volcanic eruptions on cloud coverage and the resulting climate effects. They found that the injection of aerosols into the atmosphere during volcanic eruptions can significantly increase cloud coverage, leading to substantial cooling.
Cooling effect
The substantial expansion in cloud coverage resulting from the volcanic aerosol injection led to a cooling effect of up to negative 10 Watts per square meter, which is a significant impact on the climate.