Stratospheric impact of El Chichón

Abstract

Stratospheric aerosols and gases were collected by high-altitude aircraft and balloons to assess the effect of El Chichón on the stratosphere. El Chichón injected sulfurous compounds that resulted in the production of about 7.6 ± 2.3 Tg sulfate in the global stratosphere. Considerable uncertainty arises from balloon sampling being available at only one latitude. No significant amounts of carbonyl sulfide were detected in portion of the stratospheric plume of the volcano which was at aircraft altitudes. This eruption had the largest impact on the stratosphere ofany volcanic eruption since 1971.