It is worth the wait to view the graphical version of this page, which best illustrates the concepts explained herein. To view the graphical page follow this link.

Since mid-June 1991, NASA Langley's SAGE II instrument has been monitoring the long-term global effects of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. When the volcano erupted, it dispersed immense quantities of aerosols into the Earth's upper atmosphere which reacted with atmospheric chemicals to form massive aerosol concentrations across the globe.

A plot done between April 10, 1991 and May 13, 1991 shows a relatively aerosol-free atmosphere before the eruption.

A plot done between June 15, 1991 and July 25, 1991 reveals the tremendous aerosol dispersal in the tropics immediately following the eruption.

A plot done between August 23, 1991 and September 30, 1991 shows the movement of aerosols approximately three months following the eruption.

A plot done between December 5, 1993 and January 16, 1994 illustrates how volcanic aerosols tend to linger in the atmosphere many months following an eruption.

The global distribution of aerosols is regularly monitored by SAGE II.