Volcanic Eruptions and Wildfires Are Making the Sky More Humid

Moderate volcanic eruptions and extreme wildfires are adding significant moisture to the stratosphere, a new study reveals. This layer of the atmosphere, located about 10 to 50 kilometers above Earth, is normally very dry. When volcanoes erupt or massive fires burn, they send plumes of smoke and ash high into the air. Scientists found that these events also inject large amounts of water vapor into the stratosphere. This extra humidity can trap heat, potentially affecting global weather patterns and climate. The research focuses on events like the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption, which blasted a record amount of water into the upper atmosphere. Similarly, intense wildfires in Australia and North America have been observed pushing moisture upward. This discovery changes how experts understand the impact of natural disasters on the atmosphere. Previously, scientists focused mainly on the cooling effects of volcanic ash blocking sunlight. Now, the warming effect of added water vapor must also be considered. The findings suggest that as climate change fuels more wildfires, the stratosphere could become even more humid, creating a feedback loop that accelerates warming.