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Enhancements in biologically effective ultraviolet radiation following volcanic eruptions

Nature volume 359, pages 47–49 (1992)Cite this article

Abstract

AEROSOLS injected into the stratosphere by large volcanic eruptions may induce ozone destruction through processes including heterogeneous chemical reactions. The effect of ozone reductions on surface ultraviolet irradiation is not obvious, however, because aerosols also increase the reflection of sunlight. Here we use a radiative transfer model to estimate the changes in biologically effective ultraviolet radiation (UV–BE) at the Earth's surface produced by the El Chichón (1982) and Mount Pinatubo (1991) eruptions. We find that in both cases surface UV–BE intensity can increase because the effect of ozone depletion outweighs the increased scattering.

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Author notes

  1. R. P. Turco: Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Meteorology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA

    A. M. Vogelmann, T. P. Ackerman & R. P. Turco

Authors
  1. A. M. Vogelmann
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  2. T. P. Ackerman
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  3. R. P. Turco
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Vogelmann, A., Ackerman, T. & Turco, R. Enhancements in biologically effective ultraviolet radiation following volcanic eruptions. Nature 359, 47–49 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/359047a0

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