TAG: GS-3: ENVIRONMENTAL & ECOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: A new study has revealed that ozone pollution is significantly hindering the growth of tropical forests, leading to a loss of nearly 300 million tons of carbon each year.
EXPLANATION:
About Ozone pollution:
- Ozone (O3) high in the Earth’s atmosphere protects us from the sun’s harmful radiation. But ozone at ground level (tropospheric ozone), is an air pollutant that harms people and plants.
- Ground-level ozone is a colorless and highly irritating gasthat forms just above the earth’s surface.
- How is ground level ozone formed:
- It is called a “secondary” pollutantbecause it is produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnant air.
- These two primary pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- These precusrsor primary pollutants are each produced primarily by a variety of human activities, including burning of fossil fuels and various industrial processes. Certain types of volatile organic compounds can also be emitted from natural sources.
Impacts of Ozone Pollution:
- Surface level Ozone causes damageto crops and
- Irritation can occur in the respiratory systemgiving rise to coughs and an uncomfortable sensation in the chest.
- Ozone worsens bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, etc and increases the risk and susceptibility to pulmonary inflammation like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- It may reduce lung functionand make breathing difficult.
- Ground-level ozone is known to have significant effects on human health. Exposure to ozone has been linked to pre-mature mortality and a range of morbidity health issues.
- It can significantly impact vegetation and decrease the productivity of some crops.
- It can also damage synthetic materials, cause cracks in rubber, accelerate fading of dyes, and speed deterioration of some paints and coatings.
Tropical Forests (Monsoon Forests):
- Moist Deciduous Forests:
- Region:These forests are found in the north-eastern states along the foothills of Himalayas, eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and
- Rainfall:Found in the regions which record rainfall between 100-200 cm.
- Trees:Tall trees with broad, branched trunks.
- Some of the taller trees shed their leaves in the dry season.
- Teak, sal, shisham, hurra, mahua, amla, semul, kusum, and sandalwood are the main species of these forests.
Tropical rainforests are the forests consisting of evergreen trees with green foliage throughout year. They constitute 6 to 7% of earth’s land surface.
SOURCE:
Spread the Word