Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q9 (IAS/2011) Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Conservation › Ozone layer protection Answer Verified

The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole ?

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: B
Explanation

The formation of the Antarctic ozone hole is primarily driven by unique meteorological and chemical conditions. During the winter, a strong polar vortex (polar front) isolates the Antarctic stratosphere, leading to extremely low temperatures [4]. These frigid conditions facilitate the formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) [5]. PSCs provide the necessary surfaces for chemical reactions that convert stable chlorine reservoirs, derived from the inflow of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), into highly reactive chlorine radicals [3]. When sunlight returns in the spring, these radicals catalyze the rapid destruction of ozone molecules [3]. While CFCs are distributed globally, the specific combination of the polar vortex's isolation and the presence of PSCs makes the Antarctic region uniquely susceptible to such severe seasonal depletion [4]. Other factors like tropospheric turbulence or methane are not the primary drivers of this specific phenomenon.

Sources

  1. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > 19.1.5. Why is the Ozone Depletion predominant at the Antarctic? > p. 270
  2. [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 27: Jet streams > Polar Vortex Cold Wave (Sudden Stratospheric Warming) > p. 392
  3. [5] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 20: Earths Atmosphere > Stratosphere (12 to 50 km) > p. 276
  4. [3] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 7: Climate Change > 2. greenhouse gases > p. 11
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
50%
got it right
✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-II · 2024 · Q110 Relevance score: 3.18

Ozone hole is a region over:

CDS-II · 2013 · Q10 Relevance score: 0.41

Which one among the following is responsible for formation of‘Ozone Holes’ in the stratosphere ?

CDS-II · 2012 · Q109 Relevance score: -1.31

Ozone holes are more pronounced at the

IAS · 2012 · Q75 Relevance score: -1.88

The acdification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? 1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected. 2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected. 3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected. 4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected. Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

CDS-II · 2009 · Q66 Relevance score: -2.73

Consider the following statements I. Nuclear winter is a term that describes the predicted climatic effects of nuclear war. II. A 2008 study published in the proceeding of the National Academy of Science, USA found that a nuclear weapons exchange between Pakistan and India using their current arsenals could create a near-global ozone hole, triggering human health problems and wreaking environmental havoc for at least a decade. Which of the statements given above is/are corrcet?