The Effects and Causes of Volcanic Activity

Missing Graphics Volcanoes and Climate Change Introduction: Since the beginning of time, volcanoes have been wreaking havoc on the world, as we know it. Yet in the more recent times, there has been a great amount of debate regarding the effect of volcanic eruptions on world climate change. In this report, the effects of these volcanoes will be explored, particularly in regards to cooling and the depletion of the ozone. Table of Contents: Introduction General Information on Volcanoes Effect of Volcanoes on Cooling Effect of Volcanoes on Ozone Depletion Specific Volcanic Eruptions and their Effects Debate over Connection between Volcanoes and Global Climate Change Works Cited General Information on Volcanoes: Volcanoes arise when magma, liquid rock within the earth, reaches the surface. Volcanoes then erupt because of their bouyancy and gas pressure.

One eruption actually has the power to decrease the temperature all over the globe and create a dust cloud that could linger as long as five years. Magma also contains gases that make a small but significant contribution to ozone depletion. The gargantuan eruptions of Tambora and Krakatoa in the nineteenth century, which will soon be discussed, are great examples of how volcanic eruptions affect global climate change. The Effects of Volcanoes on the Earth S... ... middle of paper ... .... Available from: http://netsurf.geo.mtu.edu/~ekc/climate_volc2.html.

These effects will occur globally and affect everyone. Global warming is occurring, as evidence has shown, with modern civilization a cause: And though its danger exists and its full reversal is improbable, humanity may inhibit it - as mankind’s responsibility. Because global warming poses a threat, global warming’s definition and its associated facts serves as very useful information. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines global warming as “the recent increase in the world’s temperature that is believed to be caused by the increase of certain gases (such as carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere.” Average global temperatures have risen to unusually high levels (Nuccitelli). In the last fifty years, the average temperature of the Earth’s surface has risen faster than ever recorded (Nuccitelli).

Once an uncommon term used only by scientists and climatologists, the notion of Global warming today is commonly heard but very misunderstood. One might ask, what exactly is global warming and should we care? According to "What is Global Warming?" in LiveScience, global warming is a gradual increase in the temperature of Earth's surface and atmosphere, that has become a world-wide environmental issue.1(Lallanilla,2013) Similarly, this topic is one of great controversy because of widely differing opinions on current global warming rates and the impact by humans.This suggested anthropogenic activity creates carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases that are released by the burning of tropical forests and fossil fuels, powering plants, heating homes, and traveling.2(Kessel,2000) On top of rising temperatures, global warming is feared for its effects on climate change, such as rising sea levels and the melting of glaciers, that will ultimately result in a non-sustainable environment and negative health consequences for mankind. Life on earth depends on climate, and changes in it directly effect the health and well-being of the population, biodiversity, and the delivery of services by ecosystems around the world.

Global warming is the increased warming effect of the atmospheric temperature resulting in a change of the Earth’s climate (USGS.gov, 2008). The increase warming of the temperature is the result from two greenhousegases such as carbon dioxide and methane that are being filtered and trapped into the Earth’s atmosphere. The layers of Earth’s atmosphere is to protect life from high-energy radiation and the frigid vacuum of space (nasa.gov, 2010), but if the atmosphere’s layers becomes thinner, its vital role of protection will diminish. Landfill wastes, industries and deforestation are why global warming exists, in turn will affect all life on Earth. Various concepti... ... middle of paper ... ...d July 25, 2011 from http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/9-12/features/912_liftoff_atm.html Davis, G. (2010).

Others think cosmic rays, aerosols, natural cycles and models, and galactic cosmic rays are the reason. Some even think that global warming has happened in the past of is happening with the Earth just at its peak in the cycle. How global warming is happening, human caused or natural caused, is the question most people are asking. Human Created Problem Greenhouse Gases Increase of greenhouse gases is one reason why there is global warming. Some greenhouse gases are methane, chlorofluorocarbon, carbon dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen.

Climate Change has become a rising topic of interest and worry in Today's world. It has effected almost every aspect of modern life: Including the food industry, living conditions, as well as Volcanic activity. In recent years, Humanity has seen a steady increase in Volcanic activity, possibly due to climate change. The potential destruction from increased Volcanic Activity could potentially cause a mass extinction. Disclaimer: When looking at any data about the effects of Climate Change, it is important to take into consideration that not all of the data could be following the Climate Change “trend” it could be no more than a variable change in activity.

Global Warming and The Environment Global warming is a term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and its oceans (All About Global Warming, 2007, para.1). There is no doubt this is an important matter that will impact planet earth for many years to come. Global warming is a critical issue that impacts the entire world and the potential consequences caused by it will have a negative impact if human contribution is not reduced. Although many people disagree with the causes and outcomes, there is certainly enough information available to support the argument. At this time, global warming is said to be a crisis with carbon and emissions of Co2 being made out to be the culprit (Turpin, 2007, p.30).

Scientists say that the sea levels have increased due to the melting of the glaciers. (Cunningham & Cunningham, 2009, p. 207) Global Warming has occurred in the distant past as the result of natural influences. Now the warming predicted to occur is a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. (Scientists, 2010) Carbon dioxide is a very important factor in the cycle that sustains life on Earth, Plants use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis and release oxygen that’s is necessary to maintain the lives of humans and animals, who exhale carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, completing the cycle (Cunningham & Cunningham, 2009) .

Retrieved from http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/archive/2003/03_12_04.html What does a volcanologist do? (n.d.). Volcano World. Retrieved from http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/what-does-volcanologist-do Williams-Jones, G., Vigouroux-Caillibot, N., van Hinsberg, V., Williams-Jones, A. (2010).