Topic 6.2

Question 1

Importance of Stratospheric Ozone

Answer 1

Stratospheric ozone is crucial for protecting living systems from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.

Question 2

Human Activities and Ozone Depletion

Answer 2

Activities like the use of CFCs and other pollutants have disrupted the dynamic equilibrium of stratospheric ozone, leading to its depletion.

Question 3

Effects of Increased Ultraviolet Radiation

Answer 3

Increased UV radiation due to ozone depletion causes health issues like skin cancer, cataracts, and negatively impacts photosynthetic organisms, especially phytoplankton.

Question 4

Managing Ozone-Depleting Substances

Answer 4

Strategies include reducing the manufacture and release of ozone-depleting substances, recycling refrigerants, and developing non-propellant alternatives.

Question 5

The Montreal Protocol

Answer 5

An international treaty to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances, leading to significant reductions in substances like CFCs.

Question 6

Types and Sources of Ozone Depleting Substances

Answer 6

Includes CFCs used in aerosols, gas-blown plastics, pesticides, flame retardants, and refrigerants. Halogen atoms from these substances significantly increase ozone destruction.

Question 7

Types of UV Radiation and Their Impacts

Answer 7

UV-A causes skin aging, UV-B causes skin cancer, and UV-C is the most harmful but is mostly blocked by ozone.

Question 8

Challenges in Protecting the Ozone Layer

Answer 8

Back: Challenges include illegal markets for ozone-depleting substances, long lifespan of ODS, and the need for consistent monitoring and enforcement.

Question 9

Impact of UV Radiation on Biological Productivity

Answer 9

Back: Increased UV radiation damages photosynthetic organisms, affecting food webs, especially impacting phytoplankton which are the basis of aquatic ecosystems.