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UPSC 2011: 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?
(a)Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(b)Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(c)Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons
(d)Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming
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Not attemptedCorrect Answer: (b) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
The Antarctic vortex isolates cold polar air; within it, very low temperatures form polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs). Surface reactions on PSCs convert inert chlorine reservoirs into reactive ClO radicals, and when sunlight returns in spring the inflow/accumulated chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) supply chlorine that destroys ozone rapidly—creating the ‘ozone hole’. Hence the key factors are the polar front plus PSCs along with CFCs (option b). Tropospheric turbulence, methane, or warming do not create the same catalytic conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct answer to this UPSC 2011 Environment & Ecology question?▼
The correct answer is option (b): Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons. Watch the detailed video explanation in our Sherlocking Prelims course on UnlockIAS.
Which year was this Pollution & Waste Management question asked in UPSC Prelims?▼
This question was asked in UPSC CSE Prelims 2011, GS Paper 1, as Question 9. It falls under Environment & Ecology > Pollution & Waste Management.
What is the difficulty level of this UPSC question?▼
This question is rated "moderate". It requires sound conceptual understanding of the topic.
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Pollution & Waste Management?▼
UPSC has asked 38 questions from Pollution & Waste Management (under Environment & Ecology) across multiple years. Visit the topic page to see the full list and year-wise trends.