Current Affair 1:

News:

As per the report:

How O3 is formed?

At Earth's surface, ozone (O3) is an air pollutant that is not directly emitted into the air, but instead it is formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere when ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun interacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO2 + NO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the atmosphere can react in the presence of solar irradiation, leading to ozone formation in the troposphere. (Surface O3 pollution is not to be confused with the stratospheric "Ozone Layer," which filters out most harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.)

Impact of Climate Change on Ground-Level Ozone

Ozone itself is a greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Hence, increasing ground-level ozone contributes to global warming. On the other hand, a warming climate favours the formation and accumulation of ozone in the atmosphere mainly through two physicochemical mechanisms.

1. First, in certain parts of the world, a warming climate changes humidity and wind conditions, leading to decreases in the frequency of surface cyclones. The resulting more stagnant atmospheric condition decreases the dispersion of NOx and VOCs and prolongs the time for the reactions to produce ozone.
2. Second, ozone-forming reactions are typically enhanced by increased atmospheric temperatures.

<< Previous Next >>