What effect did the 1991 Pinatubo eruption have on the global mean surface temperature?
In the case of Mount Pinatubo, the result was a measurable cooling of the Earthâs surface for a period of almost two years. Because they scatter and absorb incoming sunlight, aerosol particles exert a cooling effect on the Earthâs surface.The Pinatubo eruption increased aerosol optical depth in the stratosphere by a factor of 10 to 100 times normal levels measured prior to the eruption.ecause they scatter and absorb incoming sunlight, aerosol particles exert a cooling effect on the Earthâs surface. The Pinatubo eruption increased aerosol optical depth in the stratosphere by a factor of 10 to 100 times normal levels measured prior to the eruption.