Which of the following is true regarding the depletion of ozone in the ozonosphere?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about what true statements describe depletion of ozone in the ozonosphere. 
Option 1: 'It results from the burning of fossil fuels.' While burning fossil fuels contributes to atmospheric pollution and climate change, the primary recognized mechanism for ozone depletion in the stratosphere involves catalytic destruction by halogen radicals, not direct fossil fuel combustion processes. This makes this option inaccurate as a primary cause of ozonosphere depletion.
Option 2: 'It results from chemical reactions with chlorine derived from CFCs.' This aligns with established scientific understanding: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) release chlorine radicals in the stratosphere when exposed to ultraviolet light, and these chlorine atoms participate in catalytic cycles that destroy ozone molecules, leading to depletion. This option correctly identifies the chemical mechanism and the source (CFCs) linked to ozone loss.
Option 3: 'The notion that ozone is being depleted as a result of human activity has little scientific evidence to support it.' On the contrary, there is substantial and long-standing scientific evidence documenting ozone depletion, including observations of ozone layer thinning and laboratory studies of catalytic chlorine and bromine reactions. This statement misrepresents the strength and breadth of the evidence.
Option 4: 'The depletion is restricted to the arctic and antarctic regions.' Ozone depletion is most pronounced over the polar regions due to unique atmospheric conditions, but it is not strictly restricted to those areas; depletion occurs globally at various extents, with the most severe effects near the poles during certain seasons. This makes this claim inaccurate.
In summary, the reasoning points toward option 2 as the accurate description of the depletion mechanism, while the other options misstate sources, evidence strength, or geographic scope. The chlorine-CFC pathway is the canonical explanation for stratospheric ozone loss through catalytic cycles, requiring consideration of UV-driven chlorine chemistry and ozone chemistry dynamics.

Which of the following is true regarding the depletion of ozone in the ozonosphere?

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