Ozone Layer

Table of Contents

Ozone Layer Hole

The ozone (0₂) layer is an upper layer in the stratosphere. Ozone interacts easily with the ultraviolet rays in the incoming solar radiation. Ozone being an unstable molecule, is easily split into O₂ (oxygen molecule) and O (oxygen atom). These again recombine to form ozone.

Ozone Layer Depletion Causes :-

By this ongoing process, ozone shields the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays. But CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) released into the atmosphere from refrigerators, air conditioners and air sprays slowly reach the ozone layer. wikipedia

Ozone hole formation :-

Chlorine oxide present in the CFCs also reacts with the ultraviolet rays from the sun and splits into Cl (chlorine) and O (oxygen). But they do not recombine; instead chlorine breaks up more and more O, molecules to O, molecules and oxygen atoms.

Causes and effects :-

This results in depletion of ozone or formation of an ozone hole and causes serious damage to the ozone layer.

The importance of the ozone layer is that it acts as a sunblock, filtering out the dangerous ultraviolet rays from the sun. Humans and animals exposed to excessive ultraviolet rays can develop cancers, their immune system is weakened and their skin ages more quickly. CFCs can remain in the stratosphere for hundreds of years before being naturally destroyed.