QUESTION

GS

Medium

Environment & Ecology

Prelims 2011

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

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

The formation of the ozone hole over the Antarctic is driven by unique meteorological and chemical conditions:

  1. Polar Vortex (Polar Front): During the Antarctic winter, a strong circumpolar wind system known as the polar vortex develops. This isolates the air over the continent, preventing warmer, ozone-rich air from the tropics from mixing with the polar air.
  2. Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs): Within this isolated, extremely cold vortex (temperatures below -78°C), Polar Stratospheric Clouds form. These clouds provide a solid surface for chemical reactions that do not occur elsewhere in the atmosphere.
  3. Role of CFCs: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) transported to the stratosphere release chlorine atoms. On the surface of PSCs, inactive chlorine compounds are converted into highly reactive forms.
  4. Springtime Activation: When sunlight returns in the Antarctic spring (September/October), UV radiation triggers the reactive chlorine to rapidly destroy ozone molecules in a catalytic cycle, leading to the 'hole'.

Option B correctly identifies the combination of the polar front (vortex), stratospheric clouds, and the presence of CFCs as the primary causes.

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