Question

With reference to the cause of ozone layer depletion which of the following statement is incorrect ?

• A. A number of naturally occurring substances like Hydrogen Oxide (HOx), Methane(CH4), Hydrogen Gas (H2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) causes ozone layer depletion.
• B. Chlorine Monoxide (ClO); during volcanic eruptions, significant amount of chlorine may be released in the stratosphere which causes ozone layer depletion.
• C. Tiny particulate matter in the stratosphere, known as stratospheric aerosols, the only matter protect ozone layer depletion.
• D. Any event, which release chlorine atoms into the atmospheric, can cause severe ozone destruction, because chlorine atoms in the stratosphere can destroy ozone very efficiently.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Tiny particulate matter in the stratosphere, known as stratospheric aerosols, the only matter protect ozone layer depletion.

Ozone layer depletion

• Ozone layer depletion refers to the thinning of the ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere, specifically in the ozone layer, which is located about 10 to 30 kilometers (6 to 19 miles) above the Earth's surface.
• The ozone layer is crucial for life on Earth because it absorbs and blocks a significant portion of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
• UV radiation can be harmful to living organisms, causing health issues such as skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to the environment.

Ozone layer depletion is primarily caused by the release of certain human-made chemicals into the atmosphere. The most significant  human-made chemicals which contribute to ozone layer depletion are:

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Halons
• Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)
• Methyl Chloroform (CH3CCl3)
• Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Role of Aerosols

• Stratospheric aerosols are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the stratosphere
• These aerosols play a significant role in the Earth's climate system and can have both cooling and warming effects on the planet.
• Stratospheric aerosols do not protect the ozone layer from depletion as given in the statement.
• In fact, some stratospheric aerosols can contribute to ozone depletion by providing surfaces on which ozone-depleting chemical reactions can occur.