The Ozone Layer.

I. The Ozone Layer

The Earths atmosphere is divided into several layers. The lowest region, the troposphere, extends from the Earths surface up to about 10 kilometers (km) in altitude. The next layer, the stratosphere, continues from 10 km to about 50 km. Most atmospheric ozone is concentrated in a layer in the stratosphere, about 15-30 kilometers above the Earths surface.

Ozone is a molecule containing three oxygen atoms. It is blue in disguise and has a strong odor. Normal oxygen, which we breathe, has two oxygen atoms and is dull and odorless. Ozone is much less common than normal oxygen. Out of each(prenominal) 10 one million million million air molecules, about 2 million ar normal oxygen, but only 3 are ozone.

However, even the small amount of ozone plays a key subroutine in the atmosphere. The ozone layer absorbs a portion of the radiation from the sun, preventing it from stretchiness the planets surface. Most importantly, it absorbs the portion of ultraviolet light called UVB. UVB has been linked to umpteen harmful effects, including various types of skin cancer, cataracts, and harm to some crops, certain materials, and some forms of marine life.

At any given time, ozone molecules are unceasingly formed and destroyed in the stratosphere. The total amount, however, remains comparatively stable.



While ozone concentrations vary naturally with sunspots, the seasons, and latitude, these processes are well still and predictable. Each natural reduction in ozone levels has been followed by a recovery. Recently, however, convincing scientific evidence has shown that the ozone shield is being depleted well beyond changes due to natural processes.

II. Ozone Depletion

For over 50 years, chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, were thought of as miracle substances. They are stable, nonflammable, low in toxicity, and inexpensive to produce. Over time, CFCs found uses as refrigerants, solvents, foam blowing...

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