Tropical volcanic eruptions trigger atmospheric changes that drive droughts in Asia

Volcanoes are both captivating and disastrous. Most are probably familiar with the common short-term dangers associated with them: explosive forces, lava, and even airborne particles disrupting air traffic. But researchers are also studying the longer-term impacts of eruptions, because their contributions to broader climate patterns are important but poorly understood. For example, it is known that ejected materials can reach high heights in the atmosphere and cause local or even global cooling to some extent.