Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs)

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the main composition of Type I Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs)?

Water and nitric acid (correct)

Sulfuric acid and nitric acid

Nitric acid and ice crystals

Ice crystals and sulfuric acid

What is another name for Type II Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs), based on their appearance?

Supercooled clouds

Mother of pearl clouds (correct)

Frozen clouds

Iridescent clouds

How does the presence of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) impact ozone loss?

Causes direct ozone depletion in the gas phase

Indirectly protects ozone by neutralizing harmful chemicals

Speeds up ozone formation through redox reactions

Facilitates the liberation of elementary chlorine, contributing to ozone depletion (correct)

How do polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) contribute to ozone destruction?

By converting benign forms of chlorine into reactive, ozone-destroying forms Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of clouds on aerosol particles within the atmosphere?

Coalescing aerosol particles to bring them together Signup and view all the answers

Why are polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) considered harmful in the context of ozone loss?

They provide a surface for chemical reactions converting benign chlorine into reactive forms Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for Nacreous clouds?

Mother of Pearl clouds Signup and view all the answers

At what altitude do Nacreous clouds typically form?

15-25 km Signup and view all the answers

What chemicals are involved in the composition of Nacreous clouds?

Water, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid Signup and view all the answers

Why are Nacreous clouds only visible before dawn or after dusk?

They receive sunlight from below the horizon Signup and view all the answers

What conditions are necessary for the formation of noctilucent clouds?

Low temperatures and high water availability Signup and view all the answers

Why do noctilucent clouds become visible at night?

Illuminated by light from below after sunset Signup and view all the answers

What is the probable composition of noctilucent clouds according to scientists?

Water ice crystals on fine dust particles from meteors Signup and view all the answers

What makes noctilucent clouds a valuable proxy for scientists studying wind circulation?

Their sensitivity to atmospheric temperatures Signup and view all the answers

How do noctilucent clouds behave as a climate indicator according to studies?

They become more visible as the climate warms Signup and view all the answers

What unique characteristic allows noctilucent clouds to be visible when most of the sky has grown dark?

They reflect sunlight that still reaches them Signup and view all the answers

What is the altitude range typically associated with high-level clouds?

Above 20,000 ft Signup and view all the answers

In what part of the atmosphere are Noctilucent clouds located?

Mesosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Noctilucent clouds is true?

They are very thin and composed of water ice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing feature of Noctilucent clouds as observed by ground-based observers?

They exhibit a unique 'night shining' quality. Signup and view all the answers