Ozone Hole

Why in news?

• According to a recent study, a new ozone hole has been detected over the tropics, at latitudes of 30 degrees South to 30 degrees North.

About Ozone Hole:

• Researchers used a different definition of the ozone hole in this study.
  • The study defined it as an area with ozone loss larger than 25% compared to the normal ozone value.
• According to NASA:
  • An ozone hole is an area where ozone levels drop below the historical threshold of 220 Dobson Units (DU is the measure of ozone concentrations).

Ozone Hole over Tropics:

• The study has claimed that a new ozone hole has been detected over the tropics, at latitudes of 30 degrees South to 30 degrees North.
• This ozone hole is located at altitudes of 10-25 km over the tropics. It is about seven times larger than Antarctica.
• It also appears across all seasons, unlike that of Antarctica, which is visible only in the spring.

Risks Involved:

• The Tropical ozone hole, which makes up 50% of Earth’s surface could cause a global concern due to the risks associated with it.
• It is likely to cause skin cancer, cataracts and other negative effects on the health and ecosystems in tropical regions.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements:

1. Ozone is produced naturally in the stratosphere

2. Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer