Environmental Woes of Tierra del Fuego -- Ozone Depletion

Veronica Pancotto, of the University of Buenos Aires, adjusts a filter over a plot of brush in Tierra del Fuego National Park where she is studying changes in plant growth and decay as a result of increased ultraviolet exposure. Buenos Aires colleagues of Pancotto are also looking at how well plant chemical systems can patch DNA damaged by ultraviolet radiation. Unlike humans, the region's plant life evolved under ozone-rich skies of the sub-polar region. Higher levels of radiation may mean that subtle chemical changes can affect the local flora and fauna through the entire food chain.

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Filename: 05Veronica2.jpg
Copyright: © Kevin Moloney, 2000
Image Size: 4605x3042 / 4.3MB; atmosphere CFC emission forest Freon hydrocarbon plant research science tree weather air condition ecosystem environment food chain ozone ozone depletion ozone hole Tierra del Fuego

Veronica Pancotto, of the University of Buenos Aires, adjusts a filter over a plot of brush in Tierra del Fuego National Park where she is studying changes in plant growth and decay as a result of increased ultraviolet exposure. Buenos Aires colleagues of Pancotto are also looking at how well plant chemical systems can patch DNA damaged by ultraviolet radiation. Unlike humans, the region's plant life evolved under ozone-rich skies of the sub-polar region. Higher levels of radiation may mean that subtle chemical changes can affect the local flora and fauna through the entire food chain.