Scientists discover unusual ozone layer above North Bay of Bengal

Why in News?

Scientists from various Indian institutions have detected an unusually high concentration of ozone in the upper atmosphere over the North Bay of Bengal. The study provides quantitative experimental evidence of the redistribution of stratospheric ozone over the Indian subtropical region during winter.

The findings were published in Earth and Space Science, a journal of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), as part of the Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA campaign.

Key Points

• Study Objective: To understand how atmospheric circulation and air currents transport and redistribute ozone in the stratosphere over the Indian region.
• Major Finding: An unusually high concentration of stratospheric ozone was observed over the North Bay of Bengal.
• Scientific Evidence: Researchers used data from a nationwide network of atmospheric radars, weather balloons, satellites, advanced atmospheric models.
• NetRAD-ASMA Campaign: The study was conducted under Phase-I of the NetRAD-ASMA campaign. It is a nationwide scientific programme involving research institutions across India. It aims to understand complex atmospheric processes and circulation dynamics.

Ozone Layer

• The ozone layer is a region of relatively high ozone concentration in the stratosphere, approximately 15–35 km above Earth’s surface.
• It plays a crucial role in protecting life by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.
• Ozone is continuously formed and destroyed through natural atmospheric processes.

Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODSs)

• Man-made halogen-containing chemicals have been identified as major causes of ozone depletion.
• Important ODSs include:
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – historically used in air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosol products and some inhalers.
  • Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
  • Halons.
  • Methyl bromide.

Source: PIB

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