Herb burack, in comprehensive series in photosciences, 2001. The 1985 vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer, along with its montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, is widely regarded as one of the most successful global environmental agreements in history. Satellite instruments monitor the ozone layer, and we use their data to create the images that depict the amount of ozone. Ozone secretariat the secretariat for the vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer and for the montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer united nations environment programme nairobi, kenya ozone. In 1985, the news of the destruction of the ozone layer in the south pole alarmed people in the southern hemisphere. Ozone in the lower atmosphere contributes to global warming and climate change. Sep 30, 2019 the ozone layer has historically protected the earth from the harmful uv rays, although in recent decades this protection has diminished due to stratospheric ozone depletion. In the stratosphere near the peak of the ozone layer, there. It will take generations before we know how the experiment turned out. Ozone layer the ozone layer is basically naturally occurring gas in the region of stratosphere where ozone particles are accumulated 2. The ozone layer, which protects us from the suns dangerous ultraviolet rays, is progressively deteriorating. Frederick, in encyclopedia of atmospheric sciences second edition, 2015.
The main effect of ozone depletion is an increase in uvb rays reaching the earths surface. It has the potential to absorb around 9799% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations coming. The question is often asked why the world moved so quickly in dealing with ozone layer depletion, yet has moved so slowly in addressing the equally critical problem of climate change. This website addresses stratospheric ozone issues, including the science of ozone depletion, epas regulatory approach to protecting the ozone layer, epa. A seasonal decrease, or hole, in the ozone layer above antarctica, first discovered in 1982 and reported in 1985, was the first confirmation of a thinning of the layer. It has been found that this protective ozone layer is getting depleted because of the presence of cfc chlorofluorocarbon compounds. The latter phenomenon is referred to as the ozone hole. The ozone layer is a thin layer that acts as a protecting shield by absorbing harmful uv radiations. In the layer surrounding the earths surface, the troposphere, ground level or bad ozone is an air pollutant. Is there a difference in ozone coverage between different hemispheres. It absorbs up to 9799% of uvlight less than the wavelength of 290nm. In the 1980s, scientists began to realize that ozonedepleting chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbon cfcs, were creating a thin spota holein the ozone layer over antarctica. The ozone layer is mainly found in the lower portion of the stratosphere, from approximately 15 to 35 kilometers 9. It is situated in the lower portion of the stratosphere region.
These processes regulate a balance of ozone and form the ozone layer. But our atmosphere is still vulnerable, and it is not clear whether the ozone layer of the future will look like the ozone layer we had in the past. The main effect of ozone depletion is an increase in uvb rays reaching the earths surface causes. There are also springtime polar tropospheric ozone depletion. We seem to have avoided a future where there is no protective ozone. We can define the ozone to be a gas which is present naturally in the environment. It contains high concentrations of ozoneo3 relative to other parts of the atmosphere. Twenty questions and answers about the ozone layer. Ozone layer depletion cause, effects, and solutions. A dynamic equilibrium is maintained between the formation and decomposition of ozone. The vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer 3 2. The ozone layer is a layer of ozone high up in the earths atmosphere stratosphere. You can find maps of the ozone layer and compare different regions of the globe for ozone coverage. Protecting the ozone layer department of agriculture, water and.
But through domestic and international action, the ozone layer is healing and should fully recover by about 2065. The ozone layer is a natural layer of gas in the upper atmosphere that protects humans and other living things from harmful ultraviolet uv radiation from the sun. Concerns over depletion of the ozone layer arose in the 1970s, when scientists realized that chemicals released by various anthropogenic activities could lead to a slow decline in ozone amounts in the stratosphere. To this end the parties shall, in accordance with the means at their disposal and their capabilities. The ozone layer often in the news, there is information given about the ozone layer of the earth and how it needs to be protected and carefully monitored. 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. Ozone is a naturally occurring gas that is found in two layers of the atmosphere. Ozone depletion consists of two related events observed since the late 1970s.
Ozone depletion is primarily caused by human activities. The ozone layer contains less than 10 parts per million of ozone, while the average ozone concentration in earths. Handbook for the vienna convention for the protection of the. The ozone layer is present in two layers of the atmosphere. Chemistry of the ozone layer there are natural processes that create and destroy ozone in the stratosphere. Changes in atmospheric ozone amounts and ultraviolet radiation. The loss in this region is commonly called the ozone hole be cause the ozone depletion is so large and localized. Protecting the ozone layer and reducing global warming. Stratospheric ozone protection awards since 1990, epa has recognized outstanding achievement in ozone layer protection. Through an international effort to decrease the use of cfcs, the ozone layer is starting to mend, and scientists believe it should mostly recover by the middle of. There are natural processes that create and destroy ozone in the stratosphere. The ozone layer is high up in the earths atmosphere, called the stratosphere. Ozone in the ozone layer is formed by the action of solar ultraviolet light on oxygen. Ozone is unstable and decomposes to molecular oxygen.
The stratospheric ozone layer is earths sunscreen protecting living things from too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The ozone treaties hold the rare distinction of having been ratified by every country in the world. The ozone layer is present about 2030km above the earth surface. Handbook for the vienna convention for the protection of.
National aeronautics and the ozone hole space administratio n. When highenergy ultraviolet rays uvc strike an oxygen. For webquest or practice, print a copy of this quiz at the earth science. The emission of ozone depleting substances has been damaging the ozone layer. Ozone depletion over india with so much worry about the rapid ozone depletion taking place in various parts of the earth, indian scientists are closely monitoring the ozone layer over india for possible depletion trends. The exact amount of ozone that can be found varies, the seasons influence it. When cfc is released into the atmosphere, they mix with atmospheric. About 90% of the planets ozone is in the ozone layer.
It is an essential factor for many global, biological and environmental phenomena. The ozone in this region is commonly known as the ozone layer. Mar 28, 2020 ozone depletion results in an increase of uvb radiation, but the shorter the wavelength, the stronger the increase within the uvb range. Ozone layer depletion leads to decrease in ozone in the stratosphere and increase in ozone present in the lower atmosphere. Nearly 500 organizations, teams, and individuals from 40 countries have received stratospheric ozone protection awards for their exceptional leadership, personal dedication, and technical achievements. Click any map image to bring up a new page with a highresolution image. Find out what caused the ozone hole, and how the 1989 montreal protocol sought to put an end to ozone depletion. The ozone layer helps to protect life from harmful ultraviolet radiation. May 15, 2020 view the latest status of the ozone layer over the antarctic, with a focus on the ozone hole. Ozone o3 is a stratospheric layer that plays important role in providing support to humans for their survival. This layer can absorb between 93 and 99 per cent of the. There are many situations where human activities have. The next layer is the stratosphere and this is where the ozone layer is located as well.
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. The sun radiates a huge variety of radiations such as ultraviolet radiations which are very harmful to the human body. The ozone layer or ozone shield is a region of earths stratosphere that absorbs most of the suns ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer is a concentration of ozone molecules in the stratosphere. Causes of ozone layer depletion and its effects on human. It sets binding obligations for countries to phase out production of all the major ozone depleting substances. Ozone is an irritating, corrosive, colorless gas with a smell something like burning electrical wiring. Aug 01, 2016 the ozone in this region is commonly known as the ozone layer. Ozone depletion is largely a result of manmade substances. But ozone also forms a gaseous layer, mostly in the stratosphere. The remaining ozone, about 10%, is found in the troposphere, which is the lowest region of the atmosphere, between earths surface and the stratosphere.
The ozone layer was discovered in 19 by the french physicists charles fabry and henri buisson. Ozone layer depletion causes, effects and solutions 7. Though we cannot see it, the ozone layer is part of the stratosphere. All the questions on this quiz are based on information that can be found at earth science. Ozone molecules have a relatively low abundance in the atmosphere. List of books and articles about ozone layer online. Handbook for the montreal protocol on substances that deplete. The hole occurs over antarctica because the extreme cold helps the very high clouds characteristic of that area form tiny ice particles of water and nitric acid, which. Approximately 90 percent of the atmospheres ozone occurs from 1018 km 611 miles to about 50 km about 30 miles above earths surface. When highenergy ultraviolet rays uvc strike an oxygen molecule o. Ozone itself, is a gas made up of three types of oxygen molecules. In the region between about 10 kilometres and about 50 kilometres above ground, the atmosphere contains more ozone o 3. Ozone depletion biology science fair project ideas.
Data shows that stratospheric concentrations of ozone. One of those layers, the stratosphere, stretches 15 to 50 kilometers 10 to 31 miles above earths surface. Ozone layer introduction the ozone layer refers to the ozone within stratosphere, where over 90% of the earths ozone resides. Ozone layer depletion is one of the major environmental issues which is getting thinner day by day as a result of increasing pollution.
Pdf causes of ozone layer depletion and its effects on. The vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer. The ozone layer contains less than 10 parts per million of ozone, while the average ozone concentration in earths atmosphere as a whole is about 0. But through domestic and international action, the ozone layer is. As a result the total amount of ozone remains constant. Why the ozone layer is vital to life on earth the ozone layer is a protective shield that blocks the suns harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the earths surface. The ozone layer is found in the lower portion of the earths atmosphere. View the latest status of the ozone layer over the antarctic, with a focus on the ozone hole. 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. What are the causes and effects of ozone depletion. 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. In february 1992, a scientific report said that people in canada, northern europe and russia were in serious danger. Approximately 90 percent of the atmospheres ozone occurs from 1018 km 611 miles to. 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.
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. The layer of the earths atmosphere that surrounds us is called the troposphere. Protecting the ozone layer department of the environment. These chemicals are found in cleaning agents, aerosols, insulating foam, and refrigerants. Ozone layer is also naturally broken down but there is a balance between its formation and natural depletion. They need to show how the ozone layer protects the earth from the harmful sun rays. Although ozone is present in small concentrations throughout the atmosphere, most around 90% exists in the stratosphere, a layer 10 to 50 kilometres above the earths surface. Then draw a sun with the suns ray heading towards the earth. There, about 90% of atmospheric ozone is contained in the ozone layer, which shields us from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ozone o3 is a molecule made up of three atoms of oxygen o, and is mostly found in the strato sphere, where it protects us from the suns harmful ultraviolet. The ozone layer is important for blocking most of the harmful radiation that comes from the sun. Twenty questions and answers about the ozone layer noaaesrl. The ozone layer can be different depending on the season and the location.
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