Ozone layer
The ozone layer is a layer of ozone high up in the Earth's atmosphere stratosphere, between approximately 10 kilometres and 50 kilometres above Earth’s surface. The exact amount of ozone varies, depending on the seasons and the location. [1] This layer absorbs between 93 and 99 per cent of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun.[2] This radiation is dangerous to living organisms on Earth.
Over the last hundred years, the ozone layer has been damaged by man-made chemicals, especially CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), which were used mainly in aerosol sprays and refrigerants. CFCs are broken down in the upper atmosphere when they react with the ozone, causing ozone depletion. International leaders recognized this and united in banning the use of CFCs. As a result, the hole in the ozone layer has been shrinking and the ozone layer has been recovering. [3]
The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson. Its properties were explored in detail by the British meteorologist G. M. B. Dobson, who developed a simple spectrophotometer, the Dobsonmeter. This tool could be used to measure the ozone levels found in the stratosphere from the ground. Between 1928 and 1958 Dobson established a worldwide network of ozone monitoring stations. Most of these stations are still in use today. The "Dobson unit", a convenient measure of the total amount of ozone in a column overhead, is named in his honor.
Ozone Layer Media
Ozone-oxygen cycle in the ozone layer
UV-B energy levels at several altitudes. Blue line shows DNA sensitivity. Red line shows surface energy level with 10 percent decrease in ozone
Levels of ozone at various altitudes and blocking of different bands of ultraviolet radiation. Essentially all UV-C (100–280 nm) is blocked by dioxygen (from 100–200 nm) or else by ozone (200–280 nm) in the atmosphere.
Brewer–Dobson circulation in the ozone layer
NASA projections of stratospheric ozone concentrations if chlorofluorocarbons had not been banned
Levels of atmospheric ozone measured by satellite show clear seasonal variations and appear to verify their decline over time.
This GALEX image of the Cygnus Loop nebula could not have been taken from the surface of the Earth because the ozone layer blocks the ultra-violet radiation emitted by the nebula.
References
- ↑ "Science: Ozone Basics". Retrieved 2007-01-29.
- ↑ "Ozone layer". Archived from the original on 2021-05-02. Retrieved 2007-09-23.
- ↑ "Proof of Ozone Recovery". 4 January 2018. Retrieved 2019-05-21.
