Volcanoes II Supervolcanoes II Volcanic eruptions

Supervolcanoes, When volcanic eruptions are mentioned, many people think of lava, mud and pyroclastic flows, glowing clouds, ash eruptions and ash deposits. But these are just the local effects.

The indirect impact can be felt worldwide. In the case of the largest volcanic eruption in recent decades, that of Pinatubo in 1991, aerosol-forming sulphur dioxide molecules were projected into the upper atmosphere. As a result, the global average temperature in the year following the eruption fell by 0.5°C. This had major repercussions for agriculture.

Even when there is no serious property damage, ash clouds can paralyse air traffic across an entire continent. The reason is that rust and silicon particles can damage aircraft engines, with the result that air traffic needs to be shut down as a precaution.

Lava flows, scorching ash and tsunamis – a volcanic eruption can devastate huge areas more suddenly and with greater intensity than virtually any other natural disaster. Even if a region is spared serious damage, ash clouds can paralyse its economy and trigger substantial financial losses.