Final answer:
The cooling effects from volcanic eruptions are typically greatest within one to five years after the eruption, due to haze-effect cooling caused by the release of gases and particles that block sunlight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cooling effects associated with volcanic eruptions are often most pronounced in the one to five years following the event. Volcanic eruptions release various gases and solids, such as sulfur dioxide and ash, into the atmosphere, which can lead to a phenomenon known as haze-effect cooling. This effect can block sunlight and lower global temperatures. For instance, the 1783 eruptions in Iceland led to significant cooling in Europe and North America for the winters of 1783 and 1784. It is also noted that after the 1883 Krakatoa eruption, global temperatures fell about two degrees Fahrenheit and weather patterns were disrupted for the next five years. However, these particles do not create long-term climate change since they remain in the atmosphere for a much shorter time compared to greenhouse gases (GHGs).