What is the primary short-term effect of a large volcanic eruption on Earth's climate?

A significant increase in global temperatures due to released heat.

A temporary decrease in global temperatures from blocked sunlight.

No significant change in global temperatures.

A permanent shift in global weather patterns.

How does a large cloud of volcanic ash lead to a temporary drop in global temperatures?

By absorbing water vapor and preventing warming clouds from forming.

By releasing chemical compounds that cool the surrounding air directly.

By reflecting sunlight back into space, reducing the energy that reaches Earth's surface.

By increasing the Earth's albedo at the surface level once the ash settles on ice and snow.

The ash is quickly neutralized by chemical reactions with acid rain.

The ash is eventually pulled out of the atmosphere by gravity.

The Earth's oceans absorb the ash particles within a few weeks.

The sun's intense heat eventually vaporizes the ash particles.

Unusually warm winters and hotter summers globally.

A measurable drop in the average global surface temperature.

An increase in the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface.

A rapid melting of polar ice caps due to atmospheric changes.

Volcanic ash causes short-term cooling by blocking sunlight.

Greenhouse gases cause short-term cooling by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth.

Volcanic ash causes long-term warming by creating a permanent layer in the atmosphere.

Both volcanic ash and greenhouse gases primarily cause a significant warming effect on the planet.