Question

Suppose a volcano emitted a significant quantity of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during a single eruption. approximately how long would it take to mix this emission into the global atmosphere?

O 1 year
O 1 week
O 1 month
O 1 decade

Answer 1

It takes approximately 1 year for the carbon dioxide emitted from a volcanic eruption to mix into the global atmosphere. The gases can cause climate effects over a few years, but CO₂ specifically is dispersed globally within about a year.

Step-by-step explanation:

Atmosphere:

The time it takes for the carbon dioxide (CO₂) from a volcanic eruption to mix into the global atmosphere is approximately 1 year. While volcanic eruptions can last a few days, the gases emitted during such an event have a more prolonged impact on the climate. For instance, the historic Laki eruption in 1783 released huge amounts of sulfur dioxide, leading to global haze-effect cooling that lasted for more than a year.The process involved in the mixing of volcanic CO₂ with the global atmosphere is complex.

It involves atmospheric circulation and chemical reactions with other atmospheric components. Estimates suggest that, in general, volcano-emitted gases like CO₂ will spread throughout the atmosphere over the course of roughly one year. However, the impact of the released material can induce climatic changes over a few years. Besides CO₂, volcanoes release other gases and particulates, which can contribute to short-term changes in global temperatures.