Why ozone hole is found over Antarctica?

Why ozone hole is found over Antarctica?

In the Southern Hemisphere, the South Pole is part of avery large land mass (Antarctica) that is completely surrounded by ocean. This chlorine and bromine activation then leads to rapid ozone loss when sunlight returns to Antarctica in September and October of each year, which then results in the Antarctic ozone hole.

How does pollution affect the polar region?

Like the ringed seal, the polar bear is exposed to both pollution and decreasing sea ice. Effects from persistent organic pollutants have been demonstrated on the hormone, vitamin, enzyme, and immune systems of polar bears. The primary threat to the polar bear will therefore be global warming and melting sea ice.

Why is there a hole in the ozone?

The main cause of ozone depletion and the ozone hole is manufactured chemicals, especially manufactured halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants, and foam- blowing agents (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, halons), referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

Why is there a hole in the ozone layer above Australia?

The ozone layer is depleted in two ways. Firstly, the ozone layer in the mid-latitude (e.g. over Australia) is thinned, leading to more UV radiation reaching the earth. Secondly, the ozone layer over the Antarctic, and to a lesser extent the Arctic, is dramatically thinned in spring, leading to an ‘ozone hole’.

What is the other name of polar region?

The Polar Regions, also called the frigid zones, of Earth are the regions of the planet that surround its geographical poles (the North and South Poles), lying within the polar circles.

What are the main causes of pollution in the Arctic Ocean?

Pollution in the Arctic Ocean is primarily the result of economic activities carried out on land – such as industrial development in the Arctic region, northern rivers, and the effects of military activities, particularly nuclear activity – as well as the influx of pollutants from other regions of the world.

Does the hole in the ozone layer cause global warming?

The ozone hole does not cause global warming. Ozone is a greenhouse gas, so its presence has a warming effect, and the result of declining ozone in the late 20th century has been a regional cooling of the stratosphere over Antarctica, not warming. Figure 1: The ozone layer in the stratosphere.

What happens if there is a hole in the ozone layer?

Why was the ozone hole a problem? Ozone layer thinning is a human health risk. That’s because more ultraviolet rays from the sun can pass through the layer and reach the Earth’s surface. Excess UVB radiation is particularly worrisome, as it can cause skin cancer and cataracts.

Is Australia under the ozone layer Hole?

More about ozone layer depletion This includes a five to nine per cent depletion over Australia since the 1960s, which has increased the risk that Australians already face from over-exposure to UV radiation resulting from our outdoor lifestyle.

How do humans pollute the polar region?

Pollution. Pollutants from human activities tend to make their way to polar regions, transported via ocean currents, migratory birds and other means. Marine debris, which can entangle wildlife, may stick around for long periods as the region’s extended, dark and cold winters inhibit the breakdown of chemicals.

Why does the Antarctic ozone hole appear over the Earth’s South Pole?

The Antarctic ‘ozone hole’ appears over the earth’s south pole because of the special conditions that are present in the stratosphere over Antarctica and the presence of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released into the environment. T

How does tourism affect the polar region?

Tourism is when people visit the polar regions to view and enjoy an experience. Tourism is an activity by humans and therefore creates pollution. The method of transport also has a great impact on the environment, by ship or by plain, increased number of visitors means increased traffic into the region.

What is it like to live in the polar regions?

Life in the planet’s polar regions can be incredibly difficult. Bitterly cold winds whip across the landscape. Winter temperatures can reach deep into the negatives, and the winter night can last for months.