# The Surprising Link Between Global Warming and Volcanic Activity
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Chapter 1: A New Perspective on Volcanoes
Initially, I believed that volcanoes were one natural occurrence unaffected by human-induced climate change, but I soon realized that this belief was misguided.
Photo by Alain Bonnardeaux on Unsplash
Recently, my mother and I visited Hawaii to see my aunt and cousin, whom I hadn't seen in over two decades. It was a delightful trip, combining a long-awaited family reunion with my first exploration of the island. My cousin took me on a hike across lava fields, culminating at the summit of a concealed caldera. One unforgettable evening, we ventured to a park to witness glowing red lava beneath the brilliantly clear Milky Way—a sight that reignited my curiosity about volcanoes and their connection to climate change. I had always thought of volcanoes as isolated from human influence, but I was mistaken.
Initial Curiosity
The extreme weather events we face today—wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes—are clear indicators of human-induced global warming. Standing there with my cousin, mesmerized by the glowing lava, I wondered if volcanoes were immune to our impact. Unlike hurricanes or wildfires, which are tied to specific seasons, volcanoes seem to have their own hidden rhythms beneath the Earth's surface. A friend once quipped that choosing a place to live in America is about picking your preferred natural disaster—fires in the West, hurricanes in the South and East—but volcanoes rarely come to mind as a climate threat.
However, I later discovered research indicating that volcanoes, along with earthquakes, can be influenced by global warming, regardless of whether the cause is natural or anthropogenic.
Section 1.1: Volcanoes and Their Role in Global Warming
From my experiences in Hawaii and Iceland, I've learned that volcanoes demand respect and should never be underestimated. These geological features are found on every continent, including Antarctica, and even on the ocean floor. Worldwide, there are approximately 1,500 active volcanoes, with 161 located in the United States.
Despite their potential for destruction, research indicates that volcanic eruptions may actually help mitigate global warming. While volcanoes release significant amounts of gases and debris, they typically produce far less carbon dioxide than human activities—about 60 times less annually. Furthermore, during periods of rising temperatures, volcanic eruptions can have a cooling effect on the planet by blocking sunlight from reaching the surface.
As I delved deeper into this topic, I found two fascinating studies that further illustrate this nuanced relationship. While volcanoes can contribute to global warming, climate changes can also affect volcanic activity.
Subsection 1.1.1: Study One Insights
In 2013, a study published in the journal Geology by researchers from Geomar in Germany suggested that rising sea levels from rapidly melting glaciers could lead to increased volcanic activity. Analyzing core samples from ocean floors off South and Central America, the team found that after periods of rapid warming, there was a noticeable increase in volcanic ash, known as tephra, in the sediment. Interestingly, certain regions, like Costa Rica, experienced volcanic activity that was 5 to 10 times greater during these warming periods.
The researchers used computer models to simulate the chain reaction from rising temperatures to volcanic eruptions. The process appears to be straightforward: warming melts glaciers, leading to rising sea levels. This additional weight exerts pressure on the Earth's crust, potentially triggering volcanic activity.
The study highlighted that the speed of glacier melting was more influential on volcanic intensity than the total amount of melting. Geophysicist Marion Jegen explained that periods of rapid melting predicted stronger volcanic eruptions. Although the study focused on natural climate changes over the past million years, it raises questions about the effects of human-induced global warming.
Section 1.2: Study Two Findings
Another study published in 2021 by researchers at Cambridge University in Nature Communications suggested that climate change could make volcanic activity "far more devastating." They discovered that warmer temperatures cause volcanic plumes to rise higher and disperse more quickly. This can result in a localized cooling effect from eruptions, as aerosols wash out into precipitation within weeks, reducing the overall impact.
In summary, the researchers found that under high warming conditions, the cooling effects of moderate eruptions could be diminished by as much as 75%. Dr. Anja Schmidt emphasized the complexity of the climate system and the critical need to understand these feedback loops for accurate climate projections.
Chapter 2: The Interconnectedness of Nature
Nature continues to impart valuable lessons about our environment and the consequences of our actions. The intricate connections within our planetary system, including the role of volcanoes, must not be overlooked in climate models. The last thing we want is for rising sea levels to trigger catastrophic volcanic eruptions.
For instance, Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, has shown increased activity recently. Mere days after returning from Hawaii, my family received alerts about its restlessness.
My understanding of the relationship between volcanoes and global warming has evolved significantly. It's now evident that volcanoes are indirectly influenced by human activities, and their potential for catastrophic eruptions poses a serious threat as climate change accelerates.
While we can take measures to protect our homes from wildfires or hurricanes, preparing for the consequences of heightened volcanic activity is far more challenging. This realization evokes both fear and awe—fear of the unknown and awe at the immense power of these natural phenomena and our collective impact as a species.
The following videos provide further insights into these connections:
How will multiple volcanic eruptions impact global climate?
This video explores the complex relationship between volcanic activity and global climate, detailing how eruptions can have both warming and cooling effects on the planet.
Volcanoes and climate change
In this video, experts discuss the influence of climate change on volcanic behavior, highlighting recent research findings and their implications for our planet.
This article was initially shared in the author's newsletter, Curious Adventure, and has been edited for publication on Medium with her permission. Thank you for taking the time to read and engage with this content. Your support is greatly appreciated!