GK Quiz on Ozone Layer Depletion

There are two ways in which the ozone layer is depleted. To begin with, the ozone layer in the mid-latitudes thins, allowing more UV radiation to reach the planet (for example, over Australia). A broad depletion of the ozone layer has been seen throughout most of the world, according to data collected in the upper atmosphere.

Over Australia, there has been a five to nine percent depletion since the 1960s, increasing the risk of over-exposure to UV radiation that Australians already experience as a result of our outdoor lifestyle. Second, in the spring, the ozone layer over the Antarctic, and to a lesser extent the Arctic, changes dramatically, resulting in a 'ozone hole’.

Let us look at some questions on ozone layer depletion, provided by Vedantu.

Some Important GK Questions on Ozone Layer Depletion

Vedantu, the biggest E-Learning platform for the students has provided some ozone layer depletion questions and answers through this Article.

Let us look at the GK quiz on ozone layer depletion.

1. What is the Ozone Layer, and What Does it do?

The ozone layer is a stratosphere concentration of ozone molecules. The ozone level comprises about 90% of the planet's ozone. The troposphere is the layer of the Earth's atmosphere that surrounds us. The stratosphere, the next layer above the surface, is about 6 to 31 miles (or 10 to 50 kilometres) thick. Learn everything there is to know about the ozone layer.

2. What is the Significance of the Ozone Layer?

Ozone in the stratosphere is a naturally occurring gas that filters ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The ozone layer is thinning, allowing more UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune systems in people. Increased UV exposure can also result in lower crop yields and food chain disruptions in the ocean. Learn about the effects of ozone layer depletion on human health and the environment.

3. How does Ozone Depletion Occur, and What Causes it?

Different forms of UV light from the sun constantly produce and destroy ozone molecules in the stratosphere. Because the generation and destruction of ozone in the stratosphere are normally balanced, the amount of ozone in the stratosphere at any one time is stable. Certain compounds, however, react with UV radiation in the stratosphere, causing them to break apart and release chlorine or bromine atoms, according to scientists. Ozone molecules are destroyed as a result of these atoms.

Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were once widely employed in refrigerants, insulating foams, solvents, and other products. Chlorine atoms are released into the stratosphere by all of these chemicals. More than 100,000 ozone molecules can be broken apart by a single chlorine atom.

Methyl bromide (a pesticide), halons (used in fire extinguishers), and methyl chloroform are among the other chemicals that damage the ozone layer (used as a solvent in industrial processes). Bromine atoms are 60 times more destructive to ozone molecules than chlorine atoms when methyl bromide and halons are torn apart.

Before the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and its following updates and amendments, atmospheric levels of these ODS rapidly increased. Nearly all of these compounds, however, have seen substantial drops in atmospheric levels over the last two decades.

4. What is the Ozone Hole, and What Causes it?

The annual ozone "hole" over Antarctica that has appeared during the Antarctic spring since the early 1980s is one example of ozone depletion. It's not so much a hole in the ozone layer as it is a big area of the stratosphere with extremely low ozone levels.

It's critical to realize that ozone depletion isn't just limited over the South Pole. Ozone depletion has been found to occur throughout the latitudes of North America, Europe, Asia, and much of Africa, Australia, and South America, according to research.

5. What's the Relationship Between Ozone Depletion and Global Warming?

Many non-ozone depleting substitutes for ODSs are powerful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The global warming potential of some ODSs and ODS substitutes is thousands of times greater than that of carbon dioxide. Alternatives to ODS that have reduced global warming potential have recently become available. Learn more about the EPA's efforts to ensure a safe and productive transition away from ODSs and toward alternatives that have less climate-change effects.

6. How can we be Sure that Natural Sources aren't the Cause of Ozone Depletion?

Although volcanoes and oceans do generate enormous amounts of chlorine, this chlorine is easily dissolved in water and washes out of the atmosphere in rain. CFCs, on the other hand, do not decompose in the lower atmosphere or dissolve in water. Despite the fact that they are heavier than air, they are carried into the stratosphere. The composition of the stratosphere is measured by scientists using balloons, aircraft, and satellites.

Since 1985, these measurements show a significant rise in stratospheric chlorine. This increase happens to coincide with the rise in CFC and other ODS emissions caused by human activities.

7. What Steps are Being Taken to Protect the Ozone Layer?

The EPA is responsible for creating and implementing programmes to safeguard the ozone layer, as required by Title VI of the Clean Air Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set measures to protect the ozone layer.

8. Is there Wide Scientific Depletion on the Science of Ozone Depletion?

Yes, there is now an international consensus on the origins and effects of ozone depletion. The scientific community publishes periodic reports on the science of ozone depletion under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The most recent “state-of-the-science” analysis, WMO/UNEP Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2014, was developed and evaluated by over 300 scientists from around the world.

9. Is the Ozone Layer Going to Recover?

By 2050, the ozone layer is expected to return to normal levels. However, it is essential that the world comply with the Montreal Protocol; any delays in ceasing the manufacture and use of ozone-depleting substances risk creating further damage to the ozone layer and delaying its recovery. Learn more about the ozone layer's current state.

Some MCQs on Ozone Layer Depletion

1. Good ozone can be found in ___ ?

1. Stratosphere

2. Troposphere

3. Ionosphere

4. mesosphere

Answer: (a)

2. The below given factor (s) is not the consequence of ozone layer depletion.

1. cyanobacteria are sensitive to the Ultra Violet rays and would be affected because of its increase

2. increased ultraviolet radiations

3. Tides

4. malignant melanoma – type of skin cancer 

Answer: (c)

3. Greenhouse gases, causing a 3℃ rise in the entire global temperature in the past century are called CFCs. The CFC used in refrigerators is said to be ___?

1. Methane

2. Freon

3. carbon dioxide

4. Ammonia

Answer: (b)

4. The primary cause of ozone holes and its depletion is given as ___?

1. Propellants

2. halocarbon refrigerants

3. foam-blowing agents

4. all the above

Answer: (d)

5. Ozone layers can be destroyed by the free radical (s) that are given below.

1. nitric oxide radical (NO)

2. chlorine radical (Cl)

3. hydroxyl radicals (OH)

4. all of these

Answer: (d)

6. The below given form(s) of oxygen is/are involved in the ozone-oxygen cycle.

1. atomic oxygen (O)

2. triatomic oxygen (O₃)

3. diatomic oxygen (O₂)

4. all of these

Answer: (d)

7. Ozone-depleting substance can be chiefly utilized in ___?

1. all of the human activities

2. burning fossil fuels

3. Chimneys

4. cooling and refrigeration applications, as well as foam product manufacturing

1. All

2. Only IV

3. Only I, II and III

4. Only I and II

Answer: (b)

8. The Montreal protocol is related to the following one.

1. global warming

2. food security

3. ozone layer depletion

4. sustainable development

Answer: (c)

9. This is a primary risk linked with extreme ultraviolet rays through the atmosphere as a result of the ozone layer depletion.

1. digestive system gets damaged

2. increased liver cancer

3. neurological disorder

4. increased skin cancer

Answer: (d)

10. UV rays are higher in summer as ___?

1. The sun is closer to the planet - earth. So, the UltraViolet rays contain a shorter distance to travel and reach us

2. during summer, ozone is more in the atmosphere

3. sun is busy in summer specially

4. none of the above

Answer: (a)

These are a few ozone layer depletion questions and answers that help the students to crack various competitive exams.