Volcanic activity sparks the Arctic Oscillation

Abstract The parasol effect of volcanic dust and aerosol caused by volcanic eruption results in the deepening and strengthening of the Arctic vortex system, thus stimulating or strengthening the Arctic Oscillation (AO). Three of the strongest AOs in more than a century have been linked to volcanic e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific Reports
Main Authors: Weizheng Qu, Fei Huang, Jinping Zhao, Ling Du, Yong Cao
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2021
Subjects:
R
Q
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94935-6
https://doaj.org/article/8208ea7d527f4d8996985c8deb4eecb3
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Summary:Abstract The parasol effect of volcanic dust and aerosol caused by volcanic eruption results in the deepening and strengthening of the Arctic vortex system, thus stimulating or strengthening the Arctic Oscillation (AO). Three of the strongest AOs in more than a century have been linked to volcanic eruptions. Every significant fluctuation of the AO index (AOI = ΔH_middle latitudes − ΔH_Arctic) for many years has been associated with a volcanic eruption. Volcanic activity occurring at different locations in the Arctic vortex circulation will exert different effects on the polar vortex.