The ozone layer is a layer located in earth’s atmosphere and containing ozone. Ozone is naturally occurring molecule that has three oxygen atoms. A gaseous layer is formed by ozone molecules. It is called the stratosphere and located in the upper atmosphere of Earth. Ozonosphere is the lower region of the stratosphere that has a higher concentration of ozone. The ozonosphere is located 15-35 km above the surface of the earth. The thickness of the ozone layer may differ depending on geography or season.
The ozone layer protects our planet from the harmful radiations that we get from the sun. This layer was discovered by Henri Buisson and Charles Fabry, the French physicist, in 1913. The ozone layer is able to absorb about 97-99% of the ultraviolet radiations.
Ultraviolet radiation is able to destroy the organic matter. Humans may suffer from higher risks of cancer if the level of ultraviolet radiation is too high. Every 1% decrease in ozone layer results in up to 5 % increase in the occurrence of skin cancer. Other effects of the reduction include sunburns, cataracts, and suppression of the immune system.
Human activities during the last several decades have resulted in a reduction of the ozone layer. Ozone depletion occurs when the production of molecules is less than the destruction of the stratospheric ozone. The scientists have controlled the reduction in stratospheric ozone since the 1970s. It is more prominent in Polar Regions.
Currently, there are two regions which have the ozone layer depleted. The ozone layer in the mid-latitude, for instance, over Australia, is thinned, which led to increasing the UV radiation. It is estimated about 5-9% less now than it used to be.
In regions of Antarctica, this layer is also thinned, which has led to the occurrence of ‘ozone hole’. Ozone holes are the areas with severely reduced ozone layers.
The ozone layer is affected by stratospheric winds, sunspots, and the major volcanic eruptions. Man-made causes include the excessive release of bromine and chlorine. The use of the following items may be the cause of depletion: cleaning agents, packing material, coolants in refrigerators, aerosol spray cans, air conditioning, etc.
The Ozone-Depleting Substances remain in the atmosphere for a long time. People should significantly decrease the use of main ozone depleting substances or even stop using them to prevent the fatal damage to the ozone layer.
The ozone layer is a layer located in earth’s atmosphere and containing ozone. Ozone is naturally occurring molecule that has three oxygen atoms. A gaseous layer is formed by ozone molecules. It is called the stratosphere and located in the upper atmosphere of Earth. Ozonosphere is the lower region of the stratosphere that has a higher concentration of ozone.