UPSC Prelims 2011·GS1·geography·ecology and environment

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?

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  1. APresence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
  2. BPresence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbonsCorrect
  3. CAbsence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons
  4. DIncreased temperature at polar region due to global warming

Explanation

The formation of the ozone hole over Antarctica is primarily due to unique meteorological and chemical conditions. The presence of a prominent polar front creates a powerful vortex of circulating winds that traps cold air over the pole. Within this vortex, temperatures drop low enough to form polar stratospheric clouds. These clouds provide a solid surface for chemical reactions that involve chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are transported there by atmospheric currents. When sunlight returns in the spring, it triggers the release of chlorine atoms from these compounds, which rapidly break down ozone molecules. Therefore, the combination of the polar front, stratospheric clouds, and the inflow of CFCs is the correct reason.
geography: The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the format

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