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Earth didn't warm up as much as predictions and numerical models had previously said it would between 2000 and 2010, leading scientist to research why that was. Scientists in a new paper released Friday say it's because of volcanic eruptions, even small ones, may contradict some of the effects of global warming.

A team led by the University of Colorado Boulder said emissions from moderate volcanoes may have shrouded some of the effects of global warming during those 10 years although it still was one of the hottest decade on record. 

Volcanoes emit sulfur dioxide from Earth's surface eventually rise 12 to 20 miles into the stratospheric aerosol layer of the atmosphere, where chemical reactions create sulfuric acid and water particles that reflect sunlight back to space, cooling the planet, the researchers said. 

The authors of the study used computer simulations to observe which changes in the stratospheric aerosol layer could be attributed to coal burning in Asia and worldwide volcanic emissions from 2000 to 2010. The results suggested that moderate volcanic eruptions were behind the increases of aerosols in the atmosphere.

"This new study indicates it is emissions from small to moderate volcanoes that have been slowing the warming of the planet," said University of Colorado Boulder doctoral candidate Ryan Neely.

The study suggests scientists and meteorologists need to need to take into consideration the effect of volcanoes on the environment when trying to comprehend changes in Earth's climate, atmospheric and oceanic sciences, said Professor Brian Toon.  

"But overall these eruptions are not going to counter the greenhouse effect," he said. "Emissions of volcanic gases go up and down, helping to cool or heat the planet, while greenhouse gas emissions from human activity just continue to go up."