Answer
The "invisible" volcanic emission that can have a greater effect than volcanic ash is sulfur dioxide (SO2). During volcanic eruptions, significant amounts of sulfur dioxide can be released into the atmosphere. Sulfur dioxide is a highly reactive gas that can be converted into sulfate aerosols when it reacts with other chemicals in the atmosphere.
Sulfate aerosols are tiny particles composed of sulfuric acid and water that can remain suspended in the atmosphere for an extended period. These aerosols act as highly efficient scattering agents for solar radiation, reflecting a portion of the incoming sunlight back into space. This scattering effect leads to a cooling of the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere, as less solar energy reaches the ground.
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