Download OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

OZONE LAYER.
• The ozone layer is a layer in Earth's atmosphere which
contains relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3).
• This layer absorbs 97–99% of the Sun's high frequency
ultraviolet light, which potentially damages the life forms
on Earth.
• It is mainly located in the lower portion of the stratosphere
from approximately 20 to 30 kilometres above Earth.
• Created by ultraviolet light striking oxygen atoms (O2),
splitting them into individual oxygen atoms (atomic
oxygen);
• The atomic oxygen then combines with unbroken O2 to
create ozone, O3
OZONE LAYER DEPLETION.
• The ozone layer can be depleted by free
radicals
 hydroxyl (OH-),
 chlorine (Cl-),
 bromine (Br-).
 chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and
bromofluorocarbons
EFFECTS OF OZONE DEPLETION.
• More ultraviolet light from the sun can reach the Earth.
• UV increase can cause skin cancer, cataracts
(snowblindness or photokeratitis), and suppression of
the human immune system.
• In addition to cancer, some research shows that a
decreased ozone layer will increase rates of malaria
and other infectious diseases.
• Oceans will be affected as well. The most basic
microscopic organisms such as plankton may not be
able to survive.
• Climate changes. Melting of glaziers (rising sea levels)