- Clean air refers to the low levels of aerosols in the atmosphere.
- Aerosol is the suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air.
- Reasons for the low level of aerosols in Southern Ocean region
- Reduced Human activity in the region, resulting in minimal emissions and fossil fuel usage.
- Phytoplankton that are a source of airborne sulfate particles are fewer in winter, resulting in fewer sulfate particles during winter.
- Role of Clouds and Rain
- Honeycomb-structured clouds play a crucial role in the region's climate.
- Open honeycomb clouds allow sunlight to pass and tend to produce more intense, sporadic rainfall, which "washes" the aerosols out.
- These clouds are more common in the winter.
- Closed honeycomb clouds reflect sunlight leading to low rainfall and thus less effective at removing aerosols.
- About Southern Ocean (Antarctic Ocean)
- Geologically the youngest of the world's oceans.
- Dominated by the clockwise circulating Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
- Known for its strong winds, intense storms, dramatic seasonal changes, and cold temperatures.
