Unusual Stratospheric Ozone Layer Detected over North Bay of Bengal
Prelims:
Environment
and Ecology, Science & Technology
Mains:
GS
Paper III- Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology
Current
relevance:
Scientists have detected an unusually
thick and ozone-rich layer at an altitude of about 21–23 km over the North Bay
of Bengal. The study provides quantitative experimental evidence on the redistribution
and transport of stratospheric ozone over the Indian subtropical region during
winter.
Highlights:
Unusual
Ozone Layer:
1.
The ozone layer normally
reaches its maximum concentration at around 25–30 km altitude.
2. Scientists detected an unusually thick ozone layer at around 21–23 km
above the North Bay of Bengal.
3. Its ozone concentration was much higher than normally observed over
eastern India.
4. The layer persisted for more than a day and was detected during
both daytime and nighttime.
5. Its persistence during day and night suggested that sunlight-driven
photochemical processes were unlikely to be the primary cause.
Reason
for ozone enhancement:
1.
Researchers examined convection,
wind shear, horizontal transport and vertical air motion to understand the
unusual ozone concentration.
2. Observations showed persistent downward movement of air in the lower
stratosphere.
3. The enhancement resulted from transport of ozone-rich air, followed by
downward atmospheric motion and compression of the air mass.
4. The findings demonstrate how atmospheric circulation and dynamical
processes can redistribute stratospheric ozone.
NetRAD-ASMA
Campaign & Research Tools
1.
The research was conducted
under the Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA campaign, a nationwide programme involving
research institutions across India.
2. Aryabhatta
Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and
Technology (DST), was an important participant.
3. Scientists used a countrywide network of atmospheric radars, weather
balloons, satellites and advanced atmospheric models.
4. Satellite observations included Aura MLS and INSAT-3DR.
5. The indigenously developed 206.5 MHz Stratosphere–Troposphere (ST)
Radar at ARIES, Nainital, collected data alongside radars at Haringhata,
Gadanki and Kochi.
Significance
of the Study:
1.
Provides experimental
evidence for understanding the redistribution of stratospheric ozone
over the Indian subtropical region during winter.
2. Improves understanding of how air currents and vertical atmospheric
movements transport ozone through the stratosphere.
3. Demonstrates the importance of coordinated atmospheric observations
across India.
4. Highlights the contribution of the indigenously developed ARIES ST
Radar and balloon-based observations to national atmospheric research.
5. The findings were published in Earth and Space Science by the American
Geophysical Union (AGU).
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2297177®=48&lang=1