NASA | How Do Active Volcanoes Change Clouds?

The video explains how volcanic aerosols, tiny particles released by volcanoes, affect the atmosphere and clouds. These aerosols can change the properties of water droplets, making clouds brighter and more reflective. Scientists use satellite data to study these changes, comparing islands with and without volcanic activity. The findings show that volcanic aerosols can influence climate by altering cloud properties, which affects rainfall and wind patterns. Understanding these interactions helps improve weather and climate predictions.

What are aerosols and how do they affect the atmosphere?

• Solid particles that sink to the ground

• Large particles that absorb water

• Tiny particles that scatter and absorb light

• Gases that dissolve in water

What was the primary method used by scientists to study changes in water droplets around volcanoes?

• Ground-based observations

• Laboratory experiments

• Satellite observations

• Underwater sensors

Why did scientists compare islands with and without volcanic activity?

• To observe the wildlife on the islands

• To isolate the impact of volcanic aerosols

• To study the effect of city pollution

• To measure the size of the islands

How do volcanic aerosols affect the brightness of clouds?

• They cause clouds to disappear

• They make clouds brighter

• They have no effect on cloud brightness

• They make clouds darker

What potential weather changes can result from the reflection of heat energy by clouds affected by volcanic aerosols?

• Increased snowfall

• Changes in rainfall and winds

• More frequent thunderstorms

• Higher temperatures