Know about Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs)

Chlorine, Bromine, CFC, Carbon-Tetra-Chloride, Halons, etc.

Potential Drivers of Ozone Hole Over Antarctica :-

1. Changes in Antarctic polar vertex.

2. Changes in solar cycle

3. Increase in atmospheric abundance of chloro-fluro-carbons (CFCs)

   
   

Polar Vertex :-

1. Stratospheric wind patterns with vast low-pressure areas and very cold air, more pronounced over the south poles.

2. Leads to formation of polar stratosphere clouds (PSCs)

   
   

Impact of volcanic eruptions on ozone layer :-

1. Triggers massive stratosphere water vapor plume.

2. Injects large quantities of sulphur dioxide.

3. Contributes atmospheric bromine and hydrogen chloride.

4. Eruption particles provide surfaces for chemical reactions for ODS.

   
   

Polar Stratospheric Clouds :- 

1. This is also known as nacreous clouds or mother of pearl

2. Formed below minus seventy eight (-78 degree celsius) and trap outgoing longwave radiation.

   
   

Location :-

Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai, a submarine volcano in the Tongan archipelago located in the southern pacific ocean, erupted in January 2022.

Ozone Layer Depletion Process (infographic) :-

1. UV rays split chlorine atom from CFC molecule.

2. Chlorine atom breaks up ozone molecule.

3. The chlorine molecule left behind creates chlorine monoxide and oxygen (O2).