Previous studies on understanding the potential of Icelandic volcanic eruptions in modifying the environment have concentrated on the degree of induced climate change but the complex interaction of the processes which control the atmospheric circulation patterns of the earth were imperfectly understood and even with advanced equipment have proved difficult to model.

Documentary evidence suggests that during the Laki fissure eruption, in 1783, severe acid damage to crops occurred in northern Europe and acid pulses killed fish in Scotland. Although an induced climatic change was probably the primary mechanism responsible, the degree to which atmospheric circulation responds to volcanic forcing is uncertain so it is unsatisfactory to suggest that stress in the paleo-environmental record, associated with a volcanic eruption, has inevitably occurred in response to volcanic forcing of climate. The only volcanic eruptions which possess the theoretical ability to bring about climate change are those which emit substantial volumes of volatile gases. "Climate change theories" require that these be injected into the stratosphere and remain in the troposphere. They must inevitably settle and be deposited on the surrounding sea and land rather than distant ecosystems. Despite plenty of excavations, such sedimentary evidence still eludes researchers around the Laki central fissure.

1. The author is primarily concerned with

(A) explaining the way volcanic eruptions work.
(B) discussing various theories concerning volcanoes and climate change.
(C) providing evidence that explains climate change in Europe with volcanic eruption.
(D) refuting the suggestion that climate change occurred due to volcanic eruption.
(E) rejecting a controversial hypothesis about the climate change phenomena in Europe.



2. According to the passage, which of the following can be concluded about previous studies of volcanic eruptions?

(A) The findings were refuted by research results done eventually in Europe.
(B) The paleo-environmental record suggested positively that volcanoes were responsible.
(C) The findings were invalidated by accepted climate change theories.
(D) The findings are difficult to support with evidence and can't be conclusively determined.
(E) Volcanic eruptions are likely to have brought about environmental changes.



3. Which of the following is best supported by the passage with regard to the volcanic eruptions in 1783?

(A) The emissions forced climate change by raising the temperature of the atmosphere.
(B) Volcanic emissions were injected into the stratosphere and then the troposphere.
(C) The volcanic emissions were not substantial enough to form a stratosphere layer.
(D) It modified the climate of Northern Europe.
(E) Attempts to link it with climate change have not been substantiated yet.



4. According to the passage, what evidence, if provided, would suggest that Icelandic volcanic activity has been a force for environmental change and prove the author incorrect?

(A) Volcanic emissions deposited in the sea and on land around Northern Europe
(B) Environmental stress induced by the paleo-environmental record
(C) Written accounts of dead fish in Scotland and crop damage in Germany
(D) Induced climatic fluctuation documented in northern and western Europe
(E) 18th century environmental records of Europe and its changes



5. In the given passage, what is the purpose of the first paragraph with respect to the second paragraph?

(A) To explain the various theories concerning induced climate change by volcanic eruptions.
(B) To lay the groundwork for the implication that volcanic eruptions lack the environmental stress to induce climate change.
(C) To explain how Laki fissure eruptions could have affected crops and fish in Northern Europe.
(D) To prove that volcanic eruptions cannot bring about climate change because they lack environmental pressure.
(E) To explain how volcanic eruptions can bring about climate change in specific cases.