Which of the following is a short-term effect of volcanic eruptions on climate?

Volcanic eruptions can have a significant impact on climate, particularly in the short term, primarily due to the release of ash, gases, and aerosols into the atmosphere. The correct answer highlights that volcanic eruptions can lead to cooling of the climate through the reflection of sunlight. When a volcano erupts, large amounts of ash and sulfur dioxide are injected into the stratosphere. This sulfur dioxide can combine with water vapor to form sulfate aerosols, which have a high albedo, reflecting a considerable amount of incoming solar radiation back into space. As a result, less sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, leading to a temporary cooling effect.

This cooling effect can influence weather patterns and temperatures for several months to a few years following the eruption. Historical examples include the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, which caused a notable drop in global temperatures for a period afterward due to the significant amount of aerosols released.

In contrast, heating the polar caps would typically be a long-term consequence of climate change rather than a direct short-term effect of volcanic activity. Increasing sunlight absorption is counteractive to the cooling effect since it would imply more heat reaching the Earth's surface. While certain volcanic gases can enhance growth in some plants, this is not