Research Progress on the Impacts of Volcanic Eruptions on Terrestrial Vegetation and Carbon Cycle
Introduction
In 1991, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo caused a temporary halt in the rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations, underscoring the profound influence of Earth’s internal processes on biogeochemical cycles at the land surface through volcanic activities [1]. Since then, the effects of volcanic eruptions on terrestrial ecosystems and their underlying mechanisms have become a central focus of scientific inquiry. This article systematically reviews advancements in understanding how volcanic eruptions impact terrestrial vegetation and carbon cycles, emphasizing radiative and climatic effects.
Radiative Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on Terrestrial Carbon Cycle
Large volcanic eruptions inject substantial amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and volcanic ash into the stratosphere, transforming into sulfate aerosols. These aerosols alter incoming solar radiation, producing two distinct effects: a reduction in total solar radiation and an increase in scattered radiation.
Dimming Effect Inhibits Photosynthesis in Radiation-Limited Ecosystems
The decrease in total solar radiation can limit photosynthesis in ecosystems where light is a limiting factor. For example, in high-latitude cloudy regions, tree growth rates slow down following volcanic eruptions [9]. Similarly, radiation-limited tropical rainforests may experience reduced productivity due to this dimming effect [29].
Scattered Radiation Enhances Vegetation Growth
Scattered radiation has a more significant impact. Unlike direct radiation, scattered light penetrates more evenly through vegetation canopies, allowing lower leaves to capture additional light for photosynthesis—known as the “diffuse radiation fertilization effect.” For instance, in the years following the Pinatubo eruption, increased scattered radiation led to a 23% and 8% rise in forest photosynthesis at the site scale [11]. Over the past millennium, tree ring isotope evidence indicates that large volcanic eruptions generally enhance vegetation photosynthesis within 2 to 4 years [10].
Global land ecosystem models estimate that the increase in scattered radiation from large volcanic eruptions can boost total primary production (GPP) by 5–10 PgC per year within 1–2 years [3]. Although this boosts the carbon sink in the short term, the sequestered carbon is gradually released back into the atmosphere over decades to centuries as ecosystems return to equilibrium.
Climatic Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on Terrestrial Vegetation and Carbon Cycle
Volcanic aerosols induce climatic changes, including global cooling and regional precipitation alterations.
Cooling Effect on Vegetation
Volcanic cooling affects vegetation primarily through tree rings. Extreme cold can cause abnormal tree rings such as frost rings, shallow rings, or blue rings in high-latitude and high-elevation areas [15–17]. Globally, cooling reduces GPP in high latitudes but enhances it in low latitudes. Additionally, cooler temperatures decrease ecosystem respiration, temporarily increasing the carbon sink. However, the accumulated carbon from this temporary sink is gradually released as temperatures return to normal after volcanic aerosol impacts subside [46, 47].
Precipitation Alterations and Vegetation Growth
Volcanic eruptions can also lead to regional precipitation changes. For example, large tropical volcanic eruptions have been linked to reduced precipitation in the Asian monsoon region [23, 24]. However, uncertainties remain regarding the spatial patterns and overall impacts of volcanic-induced precipitation changes on vegetation, especially in water-limited ecosystems.
Conclusions and Prospects
Volcanic eruptions profoundly influence terrestrial ecosystems through radiative and climatic effects. The diffuse radiation fertilization effect initially enhances the carbon sink, while cooling effects temporarily boost carbon sequestration but also lead to long-term carbon release. Despite progress, several gaps exist. Future research should integrate multi-scale observations, improve model comprehensions of aerosol impacts, and further explore volcano impacts on extreme climates, ecosystem recovery, marine systems, and human societies. Enhancing these areas will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of volcanic effects on the Earth system and better inform climate and ecological policies.
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