Reunion Island Lab Report

The graph above compares the optimal depth for latitudes 21.4S 32.4E, 21.4S 55.3E, and 21.4S 65.3E on the given dates. Latitude 21.4S 32.4E is located in Africa between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Latitude 21.4S 55.3E is located on Reunion island, and Latitude 21.4S 65.3E is located in the Indian Ocean. Biomass burnings alter the optical depth in Africa, whereas volcanic activity is responsible for the variations in optical depth on Reunion Island. According to the graph, biomass burnings create a greater fluctuation in optical depth than volcanic activity. This could be because the emissions from biomass burning can quickly dissolve in the atmosphere, whereas volcanic ash takes months to clear up. A scientist would graph data of biomass burnings and volcanic activity together because they affect global aerosol activity. …show more content…
Graphing data simultaneously gives scientists an idea on the future aerosol activities; scientists use this data to give us warnings about the weather. Volcanic ash has severe health effects on humans because of the presence of dangerous particles and gases, such as carbon dioxide, sulfates, hydrochloric acid, and hydrofluoric acid. In contrast, the smoke from biomass burnings is not as dangerous. Health problems from biomass burnings are temporary; however, it is important to protect your eyes and nose form the smoke. Volcanic ash affects the atmosphere more than the biomass burnings. Volcanic ash has long-term effects on the atmosphere due to the presents of carbon dioxide, sulfates, hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid. Biomass burnings have a short term effect on the atmosphere. Biomass burnings only release carbon dioxide, making them less dangerous. However, if biomass burnings continue to increase, they will pose a long-term threat on the atmosphere. Both volcanic eruptions and biomass burnings release carbon