Surface air temperature response to large-scale volcanic eruptions and its relationship with ENSO

Abstract

When a large volcanic eruption occurs, an increase in stratospheric sulfate aerosol reduces downward solar radiation at the surface, which decreases surface air temperature (SAT) globally for a few years. However, it is generally difficult to estimate the effects of a volcanic eruption because of the existence of internal variations in the climate system such as El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This study estimated the SAT change after large low-latitude volcanic eruptions focusing on the phase of ENSO by analyzing CMIP5 historical experiments. The contribution of the ENSO to SAT is estimated about 1/10 of whole decrease of SAT by eruptions.