I was having a discussion about global warming with a colleague, and he asked what the effect of a volcanic eruption is on the warming process. In other words, “How many days/years of man-made CO2 and other greenhouse gasses was the eruption of Mt. St. Helens equivalent to?”
I mumbled something about “Apples and oranges… immaterial comparison… yadda yadda.” But that’s just because, like any good doper, I have a hard time saying “I don’t know.” to non-dopers.
But, I don’t know. Can you help me out?
I don’t want this to degenerate into a debate over “Is it hot in here or is it just me?” I have read many of those in the appropriate forum.
[sub] My current views, as knowing them may help you respond to the question are:
Humanity’s activities have a net warming effect on the planet.
The earth is growing warmer.
#2 is a bad thing.
Given #3, whether or not #1 is the dominant reason for #2, we should strive to minimize our impact.
My colleague responded, reasonably, that if #1 is neglible on #2 why should we spend a lot of money on it, and then asked the volcano question.[/sub]
I have heard that Mt. Vasuvius (sp) has put more CO2 into the air then all of mankind through history. This is the only reference to it that I recall right now and not sure where it came from (sorry)
As for my views they pretty much are that of your friends.
Worldwide coal production is ~4.6e9 tons/year. If we convert that all to CO2 that’s 16.9e9 tons CO2/year.
Mt. St. Helens puts out ~4800 tons CO2/day. That’s 1.7e6 tons/year. Mt. Etna releases about 15 times that amount.
I didn’t find any data on the Mt. St. Helens explosion, but am rushed for time now. Anyone ?