Ozone Depletion (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management): Flashcards
Exam code: 0680
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Define ozone depletion.
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Define ozone depletion.
Ozone depletion is the gradual thinning of the Earth's ozone layer.
In which layer of the atmosphere is the ozone layer found?
The ozone layer is in the stratosphere, about 15-30 km above the Earth's surface.
What does the ozone layer absorb?
The ozone layer absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation before it reaches the Earth's surface.
Define ozone-depleting substances.
Ozone-depleting substances are chemicals, such as those containing chlorine, that break down ozone faster than natural processes can replace it.
Which ozone-depleting chemicals do aerosol sprays release?
Aerosol sprays release chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Refrigerants in air conditioners and refrigerators can and reach the stratosphere, where they destroy ozone.
Refrigerants in air conditioners and refrigerators can leak and reach the stratosphere, where they destroy ozone.
How long can ozone-depleting substances take to reach the stratosphere?
Ozone-depleting substances can take two to five years to reach the stratosphere.
True or False?
Rain washes ozone-depleting substances out of the lower atmosphere.
False.
Ozone-depleting substances are stable and do not dissolve in rain, so no natural process removes them from the lower atmosphere.
Define polar stratospheric clouds.
Polar stratospheric clouds are clouds of tiny ice crystals that form in the stratosphere during the long, cold Antarctic winter.
Define ozone hole.
The ozone hole is an area of very low stratospheric ozone, mainly over Antarctica.
Why does ozone depletion over Antarctica speed up in spring?
Returning sunlight releases and reactivates the chlorine trapped in polar stratospheric clouds, which then rapidly destroys ozone.
True or False?
Chlorine from swimming pools and sea salt is a major cause of ozone depletion.
False.
Chlorine from pools, factories, sea salt and volcanoes does not reach the stratosphere, so it does not deplete the ozone layer.
True or False?
A thinner ozone layer lets more heat into the atmosphere and causes global warming.
False.
A thinner ozone layer lets more ultraviolet radiation reach the surface, not more heat; ozone depletion and global warming are separate problems.
Which form of skin cancer does higher UV-B exposure particularly increase the risk of?
Higher UV-B exposure particularly increases the risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Increased UV radiation can cause , a clouding of the lens in the eye.
Increased UV radiation can cause cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye.
How does excessive UV exposure affect the immune system?
Excessive UV exposure weakens the immune system, making people more susceptible to infections.
How does increased UV radiation harm marine ecosystems?
Increased UV radiation harms phytoplankton, the base of the marine food chain, which disrupts aquatic food webs.
How does increased UV radiation affect building materials and fabrics?
UV radiation makes plastics, paints, fabrics and building materials brittle, faded or weakened, which shortens their lifespan.
Define Montreal Protocol.
The Montreal Protocol is a 1987 international agreement to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances.
How does the United Nations Environment Programme help protect the ozone layer?
The United Nations Environment Programme raises public awareness, continues research into ozone depletion, supports governments and industries and creates international agreements.
How do national governments help reduce ozone depletion?
National governments pass national regulations that cut the production and use of ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs.
Gradual reduction schedules for ozone-depleting substances have given industries time to .
Gradual reduction schedules for ozone-depleting substances have given industries time to adapt.
True or False?
Under the Montreal Protocol, developing countries have the same phase-out deadline as developed countries.
False.
Developing countries have a later deadline than developed countries.
Define Multilateral Fund.
The Multilateral Fund is a fund, set up in 1991, that helps developing countries meet their Montreal Protocol commitments.
Why were hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) introduced?
HFCs were introduced as replacements for CFCs because they do not significantly deplete ozone.
True or False?
HFCs have no environmental impact.
False.
HFCs are potent greenhouse gases with a high global warming potential, so they contribute to climate change.
Which amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to reduce F-gases?
The Kigali Amendment aims to reduce the use of F-gases.
How can countries curb the illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances?
Countries can curb the illegal trade through persistent monitoring and enforcement, working with national authorities and customs agencies.
Why does the safe disposal of old fridges matter for the ozone layer?
If people dispose of old fridges incorrectly, the CFCs inside can leak into the atmosphere.
What do special disposal facilities do to CFCs?
Special disposal facilities break CFCs down into molecules that do not damage the ozone layer.
True or False?
Every country can afford to build CFC disposal facilities.
False.
The cost of disposal facilities is too high for some developing countries to adopt them.
How does regular servicing of air conditioners help protect the ozone layer?
Regular servicing helps find and fix refrigerant leaks.
Which type of spray product can people use instead of CFC aerosols?
People can use pump-action sprays instead of CFC aerosols.
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