Question

With reference to the cause of ozone layer depletion which of the following statement is incorrect ?

• A. A number of naturally occurring substances like Hydrogen Oxide (HOx), Methane(CH4), Hydrogen Gas (H2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) causes ozone layer depletion
• B. Chlorine Monoxide (ClO); during volcanic eruptions, significant amount of chlorine may be released in the stratosphere which causes ozone layer depletion.
• C. Tiny particulate matter in the stratosphere, known as stratospheric aerosols, the only matter protect ozone layer depletion.
• D. Any event, which release chlorine atoms into the atmospheric, can cause severe ozone destruction, because chlorine atoms in the stratosphere can destroy ozone very efficiently.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Tiny particulate matter in the stratosphere, known as stratospheric aerosols, the only matter protect ozone layer depletion.

Stratospheric aerosols

• Stratospheric aerosols are tiny particles or droplets suspended in the Earth's stratosphere, which is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere located above the troposphere.
• Unlike tropospheric aerosols, which are closer to the Earth's surface and have various sources (including natural events like dust storms and human activities like industrial pollution), stratospheric aerosols are typically the result of specific events, such as volcanic eruptions.
• Stratospheric aerosols do not protect against ozone layer depletion as mentioned in the statement; in fact, they can contribute to ozone depletion. 
• For example, after a volcanic eruption, sulfur dioxide can react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid aerosols.
• These aerosols can provide surfaces for certain chemical reactions that release chlorine compounds, which can then contribute to the destruction of ozone molecules in the ozone layer.