Scientists discover the reason behind the Cleanest air in the Southern Ocean region | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Scientists discover the reason behind the Cleanest air in the Southern Ocean region

Posted 08 Apr 2024

1 min read

  • Clean air refers to the low levels of aerosols in the atmosphere.
    • Aerosol is the suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air.

 

  • Reasons for the low level of aerosols in Southern Ocean region
    • Reduced Human activity in the region, resulting in minimal emissions and fossil fuel usage.
    • Phytoplankton that are a source of airborne sulfate particles are fewer in winter, resulting in fewer sulfate particles during winter.
    • Role of Clouds and Rain
      • Honeycomb-structured clouds play a crucial role in the region's climate.
      • Open honeycomb clouds allow sunlight to pass and tend to produce more intense, sporadic rainfall, which "washes" the aerosols out.
        • These clouds are more common in the winter.
      • Closed honeycomb clouds reflect sunlight leading to low rainfall and thus less effective at removing aerosols.

 

  • About Southern Ocean (Antarctic Ocean)
    • Geologically the youngest of the world's oceans.
    • Dominated by the clockwise circulating  Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
    • Known for its strong winds, intense storms, dramatic seasonal changes, and cold temperatures.
  • Tags :
  • Air quality
  • Antarctic and Southern Ocean
  • Southern Ocean
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