Q. With reference to Black Carbon (BC), consider the following statements:
1.Black carbon is a greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere for several decades.
2.Black carbon increases Earth’s albedo when deposited on snow and ice, thereby reducing warming.
3.Black carbon is a short-lived pollutant that strongly absorbs sunlight, warms the atmosphere directly, and accelerates the melting of snow and glaciers.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Black carbon is not a greenhouse gas, it is a particulate pollutant (soot). Unlike CO₂, it has a short lifetime (days to weeks), not decades.
- Deposition of black carbon reduces albedo (snow becomes darker), which increases warming and accelerates melting.
- BC is a short-lived pollutant, the strongest absorber of sunlight, warms the air directly, and accelerates glacier and snow melt.
Source: Environment (Factly Forum IAS)
