Pyroclastic?????

Question

Dore a Pyroclastic have any affect on global warming or environment?

Answer 1

Pyroclastic flows destroy everything in their path so in this respect their is an immediate environmental consequence.

The ash is acidic and if this is blown further afield it can kill vegetation and render the ground sterile.  In the longer term it's actually good for the ground and some of the most fertile soils are found on the flanks of volcanoes.

As for global warming - the effect of just the pyroclastic flow is negligible.  However, these events usually go hand in hand with an eruption or venting of the volcano.  When this happens sulphur dioxide is emited into the atmosphere and this cools the earth down - it's a reflective molecule that reflects sunlight back into space.  Following the huge 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo global temperatures fell by about 0.5 degrees Celsius, as the suplhur dioxide dispitated the temperatures rose again.  It happened to an even greater extend following the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora - the biggest volcanic eruption in recent history.

Answer 2

Yes it can change weather patterns.