Whenever a large volcanic eruption takes place, a huge amount of volcanic dust, volcanic ash, and other volcanic by-products are released into the atmosphere. As these particles are light in weight, they stay suspended in the atmosphere. These particles change the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth.

The graph below shows how different volcanic events impacted the amount of solar radiation transmitted over time. In the graph, solar radiation transmitted describes the amount of radiation that reached the Earth after passing through the atmosphere.

Image courtesy of NOAA

Based on the impact that volcanoes have on the amount of solar radiation transmitted, what can be concluded about the effect of volcanic activity on global temperature?
A.
Volcanic eruptions are the result of a decrease in global temperature.
B.
Volcanic eruptions result in an increase in global temperature.
C.
Volcanic eruptions have no effect on global temperature.
D.
Volcanic eruptions result in a decrease in global temperature.