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When volcanoes erupt, they emit gases such as carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. This means that it helps to keep the earth warm. In the past, the amount of carbon dioxide released by volcanoes helped to maintain the balance of gases in the earth's atmosphere. However, this balance is now being upset through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. If too much carbon dioxide is produced, temperatures around the world could go up, leading to global warming. The sulphur dioxide produced by volcanoes causes the problem of acid rain. When it mixes with water vapour in the air, it forms a weak acid which then falls to the ground in rain, snow or dust. Back (Underwater volcanoes) | Next (Uses) |