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Unusually Thick Ozone Layer Over North Bay of Bengal
Scientists detect an unusually thick ozone layer over the North Bay of Bengal during a nationwide observation campaign. The observation links the enhancement to transport of ozone-rich air followed by persistent downward movement and compression in the lower stratosphere.
Unusually Thick Ozone Layer Over North Bay of Bengal:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude of unusual enhancement | The unusual ozone enhancement is found at around 21-23 kilometres altitude, in the lower stratosphere. |
| Persistence and timing | The unusual layer persists for more than a day and is detected during both day and night. |
| Inference on sunlight-driven chemistry | Day-and-night detection suggests that sunlight-driven chemical reactions are unlikely to be the main reason for formation. |
| Processes examined | Researchers examine atmospheric convection, wind shear, horizontal transport, and vertical air movements. |
| Concluded mechanism | The unusual ozone enhancement is primarily caused by transport of ozone-rich air, followed by downward movement and compression of the air mass. |
| Normal peak concentration altitude | The ozone layer normally reaches its highest concentration around 25-30 kilometres above Earth. |
| Evidence generated | The findings provide new quantitative evidence of how atmospheric circulation can redistribute stratospheric ozone over the Indian subtropical region. |
| Campaign | The discovery is made as part of the Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA campaign, a coordinated effort involving atmospheric research institutions across India. |
| Instruments used | Scientists use an extensive network of instruments: atmospheric radars, weather balloons, satellites, and advanced atmospheric models. |
| Key institution | A key role is played by the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES). |
| Satellite observations used | Scientists use observations from the Aura MLS and INSAT-3DR satellites to track the ozone structure from space and compare it with ground-based measurements. |
| Radar specification and location | ARIES’ indigenously developed 206.5 MHz Stratosphere-Troposphere (ST) Radar at Nainital collects observations. |
| Other radar sites | Similar radars collect observations at Haringhata, Gadanki, and Kochi. |
| Weather balloon measurements | Weather balloons equipped with instruments are launched to measure atmospheric conditions and ozone concentrations. |
| Ozone layer location | The ozone layer is a region of Earth’s stratosphere, roughly 15-35 km above the surface. |
| Ozone layer composition | The ozone layer contains relatively high concentrations of ozone (O). |
| Ozone layer function | It acts as Earth’s natural shield, absorbing most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. |
| Protection coverage | The ozone layer protects humans, animals, plants, and marine ecosystems from radiation damage. |