Typically, people think of a lava flow when they think of volcanoes. However, some eruptions are mostly ash and steam released into the atmosphere. This type of volcanic eruption is blamed for causing what is referred to as a "Little Ice Age" starting in the 13th century. The ash and steam blocked the sun's rays causing extreme cold and agricultural difficulty which lead to massive decreases in populations. Describe how the energy from the sun is vital to life. In your response, be sure to include:

1. The form(s) of energy that the sun provides to the Earth.

2. How energy from the sun is transformed on the Earth.

3. At least two ways humans depend on the sun's energy for survival.