The ozone layer is not really a layer at all, but has become known as such because most ozone particles are scattered between 19 and 30 kilometers 12 to 30 miles up in the earths atmosphere, in a region called the stratosphere. Ozone layer depletion is one of the major environmental issues which is getting thinner day by day as a result of increasing pollution. Basic ozone layer science ozone layer protection us epa. The ozone layer prevents most harmful uv wavelengths of ultraviolet light uv light from passing through the earths atmosphere. Stratospheric ozone depletion, ultraviolet radiation and. The ozone layer had been thinning since the late 1970s. Ozone layer definition the ozone layer is a region in the earths stratosphere that contains high concentrations of ozone and protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun. Ozone layer simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Pdf causes of ozone layer depletion and its effects on. In the region between about 10 kilometres and about 50 kilometres above ground, the atmosphere contains more ozone o 3. The ozone layer protects living things from the harmful radiation of the sun. As a result the total amount of ozone remains constant. In a warmer world, patterns of personal exposure to solar radiation e.
Adverse effects means changes in the physical environment or biota, including changes in climate, which have significant. Ozone layer definition of ozone layer by merriamwebster. Depletion of this layer by ozone depleting substances ods will lead to higher uvb levels, which in turn will cause. Ozone layer definition, the layer of the upper atmosphere where most atmospheric ozone is concentrated, from about 8 to 30 miles 12 to 48 km above the earth, with the maximum ozone concentration occurring at an altitude of about 12 miles 19 km. Ozone layer depletion is one of the major environmental issues which is getting thinner day by day as a. The ozone layer is a deep blanket in the stratosphere made up of comparatively high concentration of the ozone. The layer of ozone gas is what which protects us from the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun. The concentration of ozone in the ozone layer is usually under 10 parts ozone per million 5.
Belt of ozone gas 15 to 50 kilometers above the earths surface where ozone is present in concentrations of a few parts per million. The ozone layer protects living things from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. The possibility of artificial ozone layer creation in the stratosphere by powerful microwaves is discussed theoretically. In the layer surrounding the earths surface, the troposphere, ground level or bad ozone is an air pollutant that is a key ingredient to. Ozone layer introduction the ozone layer refers to the ozone within stratosphere, where over 90% of the earths ozone resides. It contains high concentration of ozone o 3 in relation to other parts of the atmosphere, although still small in relation to other gases in the stratosphere. Industries that manufacture things like insulating foams, solvents, soaps, cooling things like air conditioners. When cfc is released into the atmosphere, they mix with atmospheric. The earths ozone layer ozone layerthe region of the stratosphere containing the bulk of atmospheric ozone. This layer blocks absorbs ultraviolet part of the solar radiation which causes skin cancer from reaching the earths surface. Ozone layer research and technical resources us epa. Ozone layer depletion cause, effects, and solutions. In the 1970s, people all over the world started realizing that the ozone layer was getting thinner and that this was a bad thing. The thinning is most pronounced in the polar regions, especially over antarctica.
But ozone layer thickness varies with altitude and. This layer absorbs between 93 and 99 per cent of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Uv rays can cause sunburn and damage the dna, the ozone layer. This happens when the chlorine and bromine atoms in the atmosphere come in contact with ozone and destroy the ozone molecules. This layer serves as a shield that protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ozone layer depletion is simply the wearing out reduction of the amount of ozone in the stratosphere. Ozone layer depletion is one of the most serious problems faced by our planet earth. Ozone layer definition is an atmospheric layer at heights of about 20 to 30 miles 32 to 48 kilometers that is normally characterized by high ozone content which blocks most solar ultraviolet radiation from entry into the lower atmosphere. In the ozone layer, it is often referred to as good ozone since it plays a crucial role in absorbing potentially dangerous ultraviolet uvb radiation from the sun. Ozone is also formed during thunderstorms, in water falls and allthough this is a less natural process in photochemical smog which forms in summer. Information and translations of ozone layer in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web.
Ozone layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layerby phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible forozone depletion. The stratosphere includes the zone termed the ozone layer. Ozone layer definition and meaning collins english dictionary. The word ozone means smelly in greek because the gas has a strong odor. The ozone layer or ozone shield is a region of earth s stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun s ultraviolet radiation. Approximately 90 percent of the atmospheres ozone occurs from 1018 km 611 miles to about 50 km about 30 miles above earths surface. The ozone layer lies approximately 1540 kilometers 1025 miles above the earths surface, in the. Ozone, a form of oxygen consisting of three atoms of oxygen instead of two, is considered an air pollutant when found at ground levels and is a major component of smog.
The level from which it extends outward varies with latitude. The ozone depletion resulted in secondary production of an ozone layer near the ground terrestrial ozone layer, which is responsible for adverse effects on plants, humans and environment with. The ozone layer is a layer of ozone high up in the earths atmosphere stratosphere. Stratospheric ozone depletion, ultraviolet radiation and health. Ozone layer definition and meaning collins english.
These wavelengths cause skin cancer, sunburn, permanent blindness and cataracts, which were projected to increase dramatically as a result of thinning ozone, as well as harming plants and animals. Essay on ozone depletion and the environment 1505 words 7 pages. Ozone layer layer in earths atmosphere located approximately 1050 km above earth where continuing process of ozone oxygen cycle takes place. Ozone layer absorbs the most of the harmful to wildlife high frequency ultraviolet light. This, in turn, will lead to the breakdown of ozone. The ozone layer is found in the lower portion of the earths atmosphere.
One chlorine molecule from a cfc can destroy up to 100,000 ozone molecules. Learn what cfcs are, how they have contributed to the ozone hole, and how the 1989 montreal. Ozone layer depletion means the thinning of the ozone layer present in the upper atmosphere. The most commonly known example is the ozone layer, in which ozone is produced by ultra violet rays uv, which derive from the sun. Numerical calculations and analytical results for a simple oxygen model. The ozone layer means the layer of atmospheric ozone above the planetary boundary layer. The ozone layer is mainly found in the lower portion of the stratosphere, about 20 to 30 km 12 to 19 miles above the earth, though the thickness varies seasonally and geographically. The first report of depletion in o 3 layer came out in the 1980s by an atmospheric scientist in antarctica. Ozone layer damage is more like a really thin patch than a hole.
Hence, cfcs are transporting agents that are responsible for damaging the ozone layer. Ozone layer, also called ozonosphere, region of the upper atmosphere, between roughly 15 and 35 km 9 and 22 miles above earths surface, containing relatively high concentrations of ozone molecules o 3. A dynamic equilibrium is maintained between the formation and decomposition of ozone. Apr 18, 2019 the ozone layer helps to protect life from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Ozone depletion and the environment there is overwhelming scientific evidence that manmade chemicals are destroying the ozone layer nobel prizes have already been awarded for the research. Ozone layer definition of ozone layer by the free dictionary. Because the ozone layer and the antarctic are so remote it is difficult to comprehend the damage being done to the atmosphere. Ozone depletion is the process of destruction of the ozone layer which can cause adverse effects on the living forms by many pollutants releases out from the vehicles, industries etc.
It has been found that this protective ozone layer is getting depleted because of the presence of cfc chlorofluorocarbon compounds. Ozone depleting substances thin this layer resulting in large areas. Substances that deplete the ozone layer manmade substances which catalyze the decomposition of ozone. Ozone is a naturally occurring gas that is found in two layers of the atmosphere.
Ozone layer depletion causes, effects and solutions 7. The ozone layer helps to protect life from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer is a layer of ozone high up in the earth s atmosphere stratosphere. Click any map image to bring up a new page with a highresolution image. Ozone layer depletion is one of the major problems for the atmosphere and also for all the living beings including the flora and fauna of this earth. As a result of its chemical composition, ozone is regarded as a special type of oxygen as it contains three oxygen molecules o 3 as opposed to the usual two oxygen molecules o 2. Ozone in the stratosphere plays a very different role to that in the layer below.
The ozone layer is an invisible layer of protective gases that circle the earth. Ozone layer is also naturally broken down but there is a balance between its formation and natural depletion. Ozone is a colourless gas which is found in the stratosphere of our upper atmosphere. The ozone layer helps in absorbing the ultraviolet uv rays of the sun which are harmful to human beings. The ozone layer is a layer of ozone high up in the earths atmosphere stratosphere, between approximately 10 kilometres and 50 kilometres above earths surface. It is also one of the prime reasons which are leading to global warming. Life on earth has been protected for thousands of years with a vital layer of poison in the atmosphere. Ozone is an irritating, corrosive, colorless gas with a smell something like burning electrical wiring. Mar 21, 2020 ozone depletion, gradual thinning of earth s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere caused by the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous chlorine or bromine from industry and other human activities. These radiations can cause skin cancer in the humans. The ozone layer is monitored regularly and there are now signs that the ozone layer has stabilised. Times, sunday times 2008 but all skin cancers are becoming more common because of the thinning of the ozone layer, exposing us all to more sunlight. Ozone holes are popular names for areas of damage to the ozone layer.
The ozone layer or ozone shield is a region of earths stratosphere that absorbs most of the suns ultraviolet radiation. Timeline of stratospheric ozone depletion and observations. View the latest status of the ozone layer over the antarctic, with a focus on the ozone hole. The ozone layer is basically naturally occurring gas in the region of stratosphere where ozone particles are accumulated 2. Ozone hole definition is an area of the ozone layer as near the south pole that is seasonally depleted of ozone. The stratospheric ozone layer is a normal part in the earths atmosphere that absorbs highfrequency ultraviolet uv rays and protects us from their damaging effects. The exact amount of ozone varies, depending on the seasons and the location.
Ozone layer depletion definition, causes, solutions toppr. Unfortunately, this gives them plenty of time to find their way to the ozone layer. It is formed by the reaction of various air pollutants in the presence of sunlight. Ozone depletion, gradual thinning of earth s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere caused by the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous chlorine or bromine from industry and other human activities. Ozone hole definition of ozone hole by merriamwebster. The ozone absorbs large amounts of solar ultraviolet radiation, preventing it from reaching the earths surface. This is a phenomenon characterized by warming of the earths atmosphere resulting from absorption of. Satellite instruments monitor the ozone layer, and we use their data to create the images that depict the amount of ozone.
The ozone layer is part of the upper atmosphere where ozone is found in the highest concentrations. There are two more important hazards which are posing challenges to future existence of our civilization are green house effect and ozone depletion. In contrast, groundlevel ozone is an air pollutant, which has harmful respiratory and cardiovascular effects. The ozone layer is found in the upper regions of the stratosphere where it protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer present in the atmosphere. Unlike pollution, which has many types and causes, ozone depletion has been pinned down to one major human activity. The ozone layer lies approximately 1540 kilometers 1025 miles above the earths surface, in the stratosphere. Ozone layer, region of the upper atmosphere, between roughly 15 and 35 km 9 and 22 miles above earths surface, containing relatively high concentrations of ozone molecules. Feb 12, 2018 far above earths surface, the ozone layer helps to protect life from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Many organizations perform research on the ozone layer ozone layerthe region of the stratosphere containing the bulk of atmospheric ozone. Causes, effects and solutions of ozone layer depletion. Causes of ozone layer depletion and its effects on human. Find out what caused the ozone hole, and how the 1989 montreal protocol sought to put an end to ozone depletion. The earths ozone layer ozone layer the region of the stratosphere containing the bulk of atmospheric ozone.
Ozone layer article about ozone layer by the free dictionary. Ozone is unstable and decomposes to molecular oxygen. Near the ground, ozone forming as a result of chemical reactions involving traffic pollution and sunlight may cause a number of respiratory problems, particularly for young children. The ozone layer lies approximately 1540 kilometers 1025. Ozone depletion consists of two related events observed since the late 1970s. In the 1970s, people all over the world started realizing that the ozone layer. It was agreed on 16 september 1987, and entered into force on 1 january 1989.
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