What happens to the amount of solar radiation reflected into space during a period of heavy volcanic activity?

• A. The amount of reflected radiation increases.
• B. The amount of reflected radiation decreases.
• C. The amount stays the same.
• D. The amount is unpredictable.

Answer: (A)

Heavy volcanic activity lofts large amounts of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, where it forms sulfate aerosols. These tiny particles create a reflective haze that scatters and reflects incoming solar radiation back into space, increasing Earth's albedo. With more sunlight bouncing away, less reaches the surface, so the amount of solar radiation reflected into space rises. The effect is a temporary global cooling signal—magnitude varies with how much material is erupted and how long it stays in the stratosphere, but the general trend is increased reflection, not a decrease, no change, or complete unpredictability.