Consider the following statements: 1. Aerosols in the atmosphere incr...
- Scattering of sunlight by aerosols can reduce visibility (haze) and provide the red colour during sunrises and sunsets. The Earth’s atmosphere was drastically affected by the dispersal of volcanic aerosols.
- Air pollution can lead to an increase in the water flowing through rivers. Pollutants known as aerosols reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth’s atmosphere.
- This reduces evaporation, thus increasing river flow. During the 1980s, river flow in the central European river basin went up by 25% when aerosol levels in the region were at their peak. The study might help in dealing with water shortage, which is likely to be one of the biggest impacts of climate change.
Consider the following statements: 1. Aerosols in the atmosphere incr...
Explanation:
Aerosols are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. They have the ability to affect the Earth's climate and environment in several ways. The given statements about the impact of aerosols on the environment are discussed below.
Effect of Aerosols on River Flow:
- Aerosols can affect the Earth's radiation balance and alter the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface.
- When aerosols get deposited on snow or ice surfaces, they reduce the amount of solar radiation that gets reflected back into space, resulting in increased melting of snow and ice.
- Increased melting of snow and ice can lead to an increase in river flow.
- Hence, the first statement that "Aerosols in the atmosphere increase the river flow" is correct.
Effect of Aerosols on Stratospheric Ozone:
- Stratospheric ozone is a layer of ozone gas in the Earth's atmosphere that plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
- Aerosols can contain chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that can destroy stratospheric ozone.
- When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they break down and release chlorine atoms that react with ozone molecules, leading to a reduction in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere.
- Hence, the second statement that "Aerosols can also destroy stratospheric ozone" is correct.
Conclusion:
Both statements are correct. Aerosols can increase river flow by reducing the amount of solar radiation reflected by snow and ice surfaces. However, they can also contribute to the destruction of stratospheric ozone by releasing chemicals like CFCs into the atmosphere.