Large meteorite impacts are a significant forcing agent for climate on Earth. Although they are rare now, they were more common early in Earth’s history. These, as well as unusual volcanism (e.g. very large hot spot volcanoes like the one that created the Deccan traps) can have a very important influence on global climate. Compare the effect and timing of these two forcing agents on climate.

Questions:

1) Most of the environmental effects on the atmosphere of extensive volcanic eruptions and large extraterrestrial impacts are very similar.

True or False

2) Both the ash and SO2 gas released during extensive volcanism and/or impact events lead to rapid ________ as they ___________.

-absorb

-warming

-cooling

-reflect light

-are greenhouse gases

3) Both the steam and CO2 released during extensive volcanism and/or impact events lead to gradual ________ as they _________.

-warming

-cooling

-reflect

-are greenhouse gases

4) Describe the two notable