SOLAR HEATING RATES AFTER A VOLCANIC-ERUPTION - THE IMPORTANCE OF SO2ABSORPTION

Studies of the impact of volcanic eruptions on the climate have mainly focused on the radiative effects of enhanced aerosol loadings. Howeve r, initially, volcanoes release not aerosols, but large amounts of sul phur dioxide (SO2), which subsequently leads to the production of sulp hate aerosols. SO2 absorbs strongly in the ultraviolet and the visible region of the spectrum. This paper shows that accounting for this abs orption is important if an accurate determination of change in heating rates is to be made in the period shortly after a volcanic eruption.