Anila Alex; Prof. K. Mohankumar(Cochin University of Science and Technology, August 10, 2013)
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Abstract:
Ozone present in the atmosphere not only absorbs the biologically harmful ultraviolet
radiation but also is an important ingredient of the climate system. The radiative
absorption properties of ozone make it a determining factor in the structure of the
atmosphere. Ozone in the troposphere has many negative impacts on humans and other
living beings. Another significant aspect is the absorption of outgoing infrared radiation by
ozone thus acting as a greenhouse gas. The variability of ozone in the atmosphere involves
many interconnections with the incoming and outgoing radiation, temperature circulation
etc. Hence ozone forms an important part of chemistry-climate as well as radiative
transfer models. This aspect also makes the quantification of ozone more important. The
discovery of Antarctic ozone hole and the role of anthropogenic activities in causing it
made it possible to plan and implement necessary preventive measures. Continuous
monitoring of ozone is also necessary to identify the effect of these preventive steps.
The reactions involving the formation and destruction of ozone are influenced significantly
by the temperature fluctuations of the atmosphere. On the other hand the variations in
ozone can change the temperature structure of the atmosphere. Indian subcontinent is a
region having large weather and climate variability which is evident from the large
interannual variability of monsoon system over the region. Nearly half of Indian region
comprises the tropical region. Most of ozone is formed in the tropical region and
transported to higher latitudes. The formation and transport of ozone can be influenced by
changes in solar radiation and various atmospheric circulation features. Besides industrial
activities and vehicular traffic is more due to its large population. This may give rise to an
increase in the production of tropospheric ozone which is greenhouse gas. Hence it
becomes necessary to monitor the atmospheric ozone over this region. This study probes
into the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of ozone over Indian subcontinent and
discusses the contributing atmospheric parameters.