In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?
- A.Creating the artificial rains in some regions
- B.Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
- C.Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
- D.Reducing the global warming
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is D, Reducing the global warming. Both ideas are geoengineering proposals meant to cool the planet by changing how much heat enters or leaves the Earth.
Injecting sulphate aerosols into the stratosphere is a form of solar radiation management: the tiny particles reflect part of the incoming sunlight back to space. The idea copies large volcanic eruptions; Mount Pinatubo in 1991 cooled the globe by about half a degree Celsius for a year or two. Cirrus cloud thinning works the other way round. High, thin cirrus clouds trap outgoing heat more than they block sunlight, so seeding them to make them thinner would let more long-wave heat escape to space. Both remain untested at scale and carry risks, such as changes to monsoon rainfall.
A is wrong: artificial rain uses cloud seeding with silver iodide or salt, not these methods.
B is wrong: these techniques are not aimed at cyclones.
C is wrong: the solar wind is deflected by the Earth's magnetic field; aerosols cannot reduce it.
Exam tip: stratospheric sulphate aerosols = reflect sunlight; cirrus thinning = release heat; both are geoengineering against global warming.
Practice Questions
View allConsider the following statements :
I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO2/capita.
II. In terms of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.
III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO2 emissions in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.I and III only
- B.II only
- C.II and III only
- D.I, II and III
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India is the second-largest emitter of fuel-combustion CO2 in the Asia-Pacific after China, and power and heat generation is its biggest source, but its per capita emissions are well above 0.5 tonne.
Read the full explanation →The term 'Domestic Content Requirement' is sometimes seen in the news with reference to
- A.Developing solar power production in our country
- B.Granting licences to foreign T.V. channels in our country
- C.Exporting our food products to other countries
- D.Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country
Show answer
Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) is the rule that certain solar projects must use solar cells and modules made in India.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms?
1. Cnidarians
2. Fungi
3. Protozoa
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Cnidarians, fungi and protozoa all include species that live in close, mutually useful partnerships with other organisms. Symbiosis means two different species living closely together, often to the benefit of both.
Read the full explanation →Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements :
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.I only
- B.I and II
- C.II only
- D.II and III
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The Gooty tarantula is a tree-dwelling spider found only in a few forest patches of India; it is not a crustacean.
Read the full explanation →Consider the following pairs :
Terms sometimes seen in the news — Their origin
1. Annex-I Countries — Cartagena Protocol
2. Certified Emissions Reductions — Nagoya Protocol
3. Clean Development Mechanism — Kyoto Protocol
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
All three terms come from the climate treaties, the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, so only the third pair is right.
Read the full explanation →