The Future: Our Planet in 2050 | Ozone Depletion
What is the Ozone Layer?
Kathryn Lee
The ozone layer is a concentration of ozone molecules in the stratosphere. (Actually, not all ozone resides in the ozone layer, but most of it, 90%, does) The layer of the Earth's atmosphere that surrounds us is called the troposphere. The stratosphere, the next higher layer, extends about 10-50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. Stratospheric ozone is a naturally-occurring gas that filters the sun's ultraviolet radiation. A damaged and thinning ozone layer allows more radiation to reach the Earth's surface. For human beings, overexposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune systems. Increased UV can also lead to reduced crop yield and disruptions in the marine food chain. Ultraviolet rays can also cause many other harmful effects.
Above is a diagram of the altitudes and temperatures of each layer of the earth's atmosphere. Ozone is concentrated most heavily in the stratosphere. Although ozone also exists in the troposphere (known as smog), it is present in much lower amounts. It is not possible to simply take ozone from near the Earth's surface and put it in the stratosphere.
The Antarctic ozone hole depletes ozone in differing amounts at different altitudes. In fact, through a large range, ozone is totally destroyed.
Click on the links below to explore the ozone layer or click the earth to see some links related to the depletion of the ozone layer.
