Reduced temperatures and growing seasons in Europe following the 1783 Laki eruption were primarily caused by:

A) blocking of sunlight by volcanic ash and aerosols
B) blanketing of the ground with thick layers of ash
C) cold glacial meltwater entering the northern Atlantic in massive quantities

Volcanic Ash

Fine particles of rock and glass created by volcanic eruptions.

Laki Eruption

A major volcanic event in 1783-1784 from the Laki fissure and the Grímsvötn volcano in Iceland, which released large amounts of sulfur dioxide, causing significant environmental and health impacts in Europe.

Aerosols

Very small solid particles or drops of liquid dispersed in the atmosphere.