What is the ozone layer? (video for children).

Ozone is a special form of oxygen. Most oxygen molecules in the air are composed of two atoms. The ozone molecule consists of three oxygen atoms.

SourceOzone is formed by exposure to sunlight. When ultraviolet light photons collide with oxygen molecules, an oxygen atom separates from them, which, when joined to another O2 molecule, forms Oz (ozone).

Thickness of the ozone layer

The ozone layer of the atmosphere is very thin. If all the ozone available from the atmosphere uniformly covers an area of 45 square kilometers, you will get a layer thickness of 0.3 cm. A little ozone enters the lower atmosphere with drafts.

SourceWhen light rays react with substances contained in exhaust gases and industrial fumes, ozone is also formed.

Danger and usefulness of the ozone layer.

Ozone breathing is very dangerous, since this gas destroys the lungs. Pedestrians who breathe large amounts of ozone begin to drown and feel chest pain.

SourceThe trees and shrubs that frame the gas lines, with high concentrations of ozone in the air, stop growing normally. But if ozone is where it should be, at a great height, it is very good for your health.

Ozone absorbs ultraviolet rays. These are the same rays from which the skin tans. But if the excess of ultraviolet radiation falls on your skin, you can suffer sunburn or skin cancer.

What destroys the ozone layer?

It was discovered that chlorine fluorine derivatives (freon compounds) used in refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosol cans destroy ozone.

SourceFreons are released into the atmosphere each time you use a can of deodorant or hair spray. Ascending to the upper layers of the atmosphere, Freon molecules interact with ozone molecules.

Under the action of solar radiation, Freons release chlorine, which decomposes ozone to form ordinary oxygen. Instead of such interaction, the ozone layer is destroyed and disappears.

In 1978, based on data on the effect of freons on the ozone layer of the atmosphere, the government of the United States of America (USA) banned the production and sale of aerosols containing freons.

The aerosols contain cluroflorucarburos known as CFC's, substance that causes the hole in the ozone layer.

SourceWhen released into the atmosphere, the CFCs are mobilized by winds and air currents and travel for several years until they reach the stratosphere.

In 1974, Mario Molina (Mexican) and Sherwood Rowland (North American) announced that CFCs destroy ozone in the stratosphere, causing very harmful effects to nature and man. In 1985 the hole in the ozone layer is discovered whose size is similar to the US territory.Source

SourceScientists have discovered that the concentration of perchloric acid anhydride, a compound formed at the time of the destruction of the ozone molecule by chlorine, is very high in the sky above Antarctica.

The discovery of the British confirms that the widespread use of freons creates the problem of ozone holes. Scientists estimate that a 1 percent decrease in the ozone content in the upper atmosphere causes an increase in the incidence of skin cancer by 3-6 percent, since the permeability of the atmosphere to ultraviolet rays increases in 2 percent.

Ultraviolet rays also have a damaging effect on the body's immune system, which makes us more susceptible to infectious diseases, such as malaria. Ultraviolet rays destroy plant cells, from trees to cereals.

Ozone layer and climate impact

Even more disturbing, is that the depletion of the ozone layer can change unpredictably Earth's climate.

SourceThe ozone layer traps heat from the surface of the earth. As the amount of ozone in the atmosphere decreases, the air temperature decreases, the direction of the prevailing winds changes and the climate changes.

The result can be droughts, crop failures, food shortages and famine. Some scientists have calculated that even if measures are taken and all activities that destroy the ozone layer are stopped, it will take 100 years to completelrestore it.

How to explain to children, what is the ozone layer?

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Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://deisip67.vornix.blog/2019/01/03/what-is-the-ozone-layer-video-for-children/

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