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Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.
[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.
[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.
[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.
[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.
Q. From the passage above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions?
  • a)
    The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.
  • b)
    The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.
  • c)
    Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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Most Upvoted Answer
Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questi...
  1. This option is incorrect. The passage mentions El Chichón and Mount St. Helens as equally large eruptions but the amount of sulfate aerosols produced by one was seven times the other. The passage suggests that sulfate aerosols are produced from the sulfur dioxide emitted by a volcano. Therefore, the volcano that produces more sulfate aerosols would be the one that emitted greater sulfur dioxide. So, we may infer that two eruptions of the same size may emit vastly different amounts of sulfur dioxide. The relationship between the size of a volcanic eruption and the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it is not as straightforward as the direct proportionality suggested by this option.
  2. This option is correct. The second paragraph states that the reason carbon dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions fail to impact the surface temperature is that they lead to an insignificant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. In the third paragraph, we come to know that the sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions do succeed in impacting the surface temperature. This must mean that these emissions manage to cause a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.
  3. This option is incorrect. The passage only suggests that volcanic eruptions contain carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and ash particles. It does not provide the relative concentration of these three components within any particular volcanic eruption. Further, the cases of El Chichón and Mount St. Helens illustrate that different volcanic eruptions have different composition. Therefore, we cannot draw any generalization about the relative amount of sulfur dioxide in large volcanic eruptions being more than carbon dioxide.
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Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questi...
Understanding the Inference on Sulfur Dioxide Emissions
The correct answer is not option 'B', but let's clarify the reasoning and evaluate the options provided.
Option A: The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.
- This statement cannot be inferred directly from the passage. While it is likely that larger eruptions might emit more sulfur dioxide, the passage does not provide explicit evidence to support this assertion.
Option B: The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.
- This statement is misleading. The passage indicates that while volcanoes do emit sulfur dioxide, the primary impact of volcanic eruptions on temperature is through sulfate aerosols, not through significant changes in sulfur dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. Hence, this inference is incorrect.
Option C: Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.
- This option is not directly supported by the passage. While the passage discusses the emissions from volcanic eruptions, it does not compare the quantities of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide emitted, making it difficult to infer this statement reliably.
Conclusion:
- The passage emphasizes the cooling effect of sulfate aerosols resulting from sulfur dioxide emissions rather than a significant concentration change of the gas itself. Therefore, none of the provided options are accurate, but the closest inference aligns with the understanding that volcanic eruptions primarily affect temperatures through sulfate aerosols rather than substantial changes in gas concentrations.
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Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. If the claims made by the climate scientists about the anthropogenic increase in Earth's surface temperature are correct, the passage best supports which of the following explanations for zero increase in the surface temperature of the earth during a decade in which anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases continued to increase?

Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. The facts presented in the last paragraph of the passage support which of the following conclusions?

Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. With which of the statements about changes in the earth's surface temperature is the author most likely to disagree?

Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. Which of the following statements, if true, will best support the assertion that a large volcanic eruption does not contribute to warming of the earth's surface?

Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. It can be inferred that the highlighted word in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to

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Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. From the passage above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions?a)The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.b)The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.c)Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. From the passage above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions?a)The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.b)The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.c)Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for GRE 2024 is part of GRE preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GRE exam syllabus. Information about Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. From the passage above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions?a)The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.b)The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.c)Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GRE 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. From the passage above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions?a)The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.b)The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.c)Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. From the passage above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions?a)The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.b)The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.c)Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GRE. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GRE Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. From the passage above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions?a)The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.b)The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.c)Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. From the passage above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions?a)The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.b)The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.c)Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. From the passage above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions?a)The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.b)The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.c)Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. From the passage above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions?a)The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.b)The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.c)Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions: After reading the passage, read and respond to the questions that follow by selecting the best choice for each one.[1] An atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the infrared range is known as a greenhouse gas. [2] Without such gases, the surface temperature of the earth would have been a frigid -18°C instead of the current 15°C. [3] Many climate scientists claim that human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have led to a steady increase in the atmospheric concentration of many greenhouse gases, with a consequent increase in the planet's surface temperature by about 0.85°C in the last 130 years. [4] However, in order to correctly estimate the anthropogenic changes in earth's surface temperature, it is important to quantify the effect of external natural factors like large volcanic eruptions on the planet's surface temperature.[5] Though volcanic eruptions emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the atmospheric concentration of this gas is about 16000 times the amount released by volcanic eruptions; therefore, no matter how large a volcanic eruption is, it cannot produce a significant change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. [6] Further, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted per year by volcanic eruptions – between 130 and 230 million tons – is roughly equivalent to that emitted in only three to five days of human activity.[7] It is mainly through the emission of sulfur dioxide gas and ash particles into the atmosphere that large volcanic eruptions affect earth's surface temperature. [8] Sulfur dioxide reacts with the water vapor present in air to form fine particles called sulfate aerosols. [9] Winds spread the cloud of aerosols and ash particles around the globe in weeks. [10] These particles absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect on the earth. [11] They take several years to settle out of the atmosphere and thus impact the global surface temperature for many years. [12] Robock and Mao have shown that for two years after a great volcanic eruption, the surface temperature decreases by 0.1 – 0.2°C. [13] The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in Indonesia was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century and resulted in a global surface cooling of 0.5°C for about two to four years after the eruption.[14] The El Chichón eruption in 1982 was the first major eruption whose climatic impact was studied in detail by modern instruments. [15] Though the emission volume of this eruption was similar to the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, El Chichón released seven times the amount of sulfate aerosols released by Mount St. Helens and lowered the earth's temperature by about 0.4°C as against a decrease of only 0.1°C for Mount St. Helens.Q. From the passage above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions?a)The larger a volcanic eruption, the greater is the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by it.b)The sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions lead to a significant change in the atmospheric concentration of this gas.c)Large volcanic eruptions emit more sulfur dioxide than carbon dioxide.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GRE tests.
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