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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