Correct option is B
The correct answer is (b).
Volcanic eruptions are the most significant natural source of sulfur dioxide () emissions. When volcanoes erupt, they release massive quantities of gases, primarily water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, directly into the troposphere and stratosphere.
Information Booster
Once in the atmosphere, volcanic can react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid aerosols ().
These aerosols can reflect incoming solar radiation, leading to temporary global cooling effects (volcanic winter).
Major historical eruptions, like Mount Pinatubo in 1991, injected millions of tons of into the stratosphere, measurably lowering global temperatures for years.
Other minor natural sources of sulfur compounds include oceanic phytoplankton emissions (dimethyl sulfide) and biological decay in swamps.
However, on a global scale, anthropogenic emissions of vastly outnumber natural emissions.
is a primary precursor to acid rain, severely impacting aquatic ecosystems and forest health.
Additional Knowledge
Automobiles (Option A): An anthropogenic source. While vehicles emit some sulfur, regulations (like ultra-low sulfur diesel) have drastically minimized this. They are major sources of .
Power plants (Option C): An anthropogenic source. Coal-fired power plants are the largest human-made source of
Industrial combustion (Option D): An anthropogenic source related to smelting ores and burning fossil fuels.
English
10 Questions
20 Marks
12 Mins
