Why does ozone hole form over Antarctica? How will enhanced ultraviolet radiation affect us?
Answers
The ozone hole is more prominent over the region of Antarctica. It is formed due to an increased concentration of chlorine in the atmosphere.
Chlorine is mainly released from chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) widely used as refrigerants. The CFC’s magnate from the troposphere to the stratosphere, where they release chlorine atoms by the action of UV rays on them. The release of Chlorine atoms causes the conversion of ozone into molecular oxygen. One atom of chlorine can destroy around 10,000 molecules of ozone and causes ozone depletion.
The formation of the ozone hole will result in an increased concentration of UV - B radiations on the Earth’s surface. UV −B damages DNA and activates the process of skin ageing. It also causes skin darkening and skin cancer. High levels of UV −B cause corneal cataract in humans
Answer:
Ozone holes are more apparent in the region of Antarctica. They are formed as a result of an increased concentration of chlorine in the atmosphere. The release of chlorine is mainly from Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which is extensively used as a refrigerant. The CFCs migrate from different layers of the atmosphere – troposphere to stratosphere, where chlorine atoms are released by the action of UV radiations on them. Liberation of chlorine atoms leads to the conversion of ozone into molecular oxygen. One chlorine atom can destruct 10,000 ozone molecules, causing ozone depletion. Ozone hole formation will result in an increased concentration of UV-B radiations on the surface of earth. The UV – B is known to damage DNA, activating the process of skin ageing. Also, it causes darkening of skin and skin cancer. In humans, high levels of UV-B causes corneal cataract.