(a) Describe what is ozone layer and how is it important ? (b) Explain briefly what are the effects of depletion of ozone layer?
(a) Describe what is ozone layer and how is it important ?
(b) Explain briefly what are the effects of depletion of ozone layer?
Answer:
a. Meaning of Ozone layer
The region of the upper atmosphere known as the ozone layer, sometimes known as the ozonosphere, is located between 15 and 35 km (9 and 22 miles) above the surface of the Earth and contains relatively high concentrations of ozone molecules (O3).
Or to put it another way, the ozone layer is the region of the Earth's atmosphere where ozone gas, an inorganic molecule with the chemical formula O3, is present in relatively high concentrations. Ozone is a gas that is light blue in colour and smells strong, like chlorine. Despite being quite high, this layer's concentration is still low when compared to that of other gases in the stratosphere.
The majority of the UV energy that the sun sends toward the planet is absorbed by the ozone layer. Over the poles compared to the equator, the ozone layer is thicker in the atmosphere.
Importance of ozone layer:
Despite the fact that ozone is toxic at ground level, the ozone layer is crucial for protecting all living things higher in the atmosphere. UV radiation, which is spread by the sun and has a negative impact on all living things.
As a result of this layer's absorption of radiation, the earth's surface cannot be reached by it. In the stratosphere, which is a part of the earth's atmosphere, is where the ozone layer is located. Unwanted pollutants are removed from the earth's surface by the layers of the atmosphere that make up the lower atmosphere.
The Earth is shielded by ozone from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. It would be incredibly challenging to live on Earth without the ozone layer in the atmosphere. Both plants and the planktons that are the primary source of nutrition for the majority of ocean life cannot survive and thrive in strong ultraviolet radiation.
Humans would be more prone to immune system problems like cataracts, skin cancer, and skin cancer if the protective Ozone Layer were to become less effective.
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