UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 57
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 ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Antarctic ozone depletion is driven by chlorine and bromine released from ozone-depleting substances, activated on polar stratospheric clouds within the isolated polar vortex.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Tropospheric turbulence is not the defining ozone-hole mechanism.
B: Correct - the cold polar vortex/stratospheric clouds enable CFC-derived reactive chlorine to destroy ozone.
C: Incorrect - The polar vortex and stratospheric clouds are crucial, not absent; methane is not the primary driver.
D: Incorrect - Polar warming alone does not directly create the Antarctic ozone hole.