Cooling Gases (IMAGE) Columbia Climate School Caption Dust and aerosols sent out during the largest volcanic eruptions can cause downward spikes in regional or global temperature, detectable through tree rings. Here, dusk falls on Hawaii's Kilauea volcano. Credit Kevin Krajick/Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Usage Restrictions Credit must be given. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.