A comparative analysis of the volcanic impact on the climates of the Earth and Mars

Abstract

The climatic impact of volcanic activity on the Earth and Mars is considered and a comparative analysis is made. The effect of gaseous components and of aerosols, formed in the process of the evolution of volcanic cloud, on the greenhouse effect and climate on the Earth and Mars is analyzed. A numerical modelling has shown that the climatic impact of volcanic activity depends on the optical properties (the extent of opacity of the atmospheric gaseous components and on the intensity of volcanic activity). In connection with sporadic variations in the intensity of volcanic activity, a temporal modulation of climate takes place with alternating periods of warming and cooling. An important role of SO2 and volcanic aerosols in the formation of climate in the presence of evolution of the Earth and Mars is revealed.