The Ozone Layer: Protecting Our Protective Shield

Introduction

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To fully comprehend what the ozone layer is, it is very essential for us to first of all know all the distinctive layers of the atmosphere. After all, the atmosphere of the earth is made up of numerous layers, with each assuming a critical position and function.

Troposphere

The lowest and principal layer of earth's atmosphere which extends roughly 10 kilometers upwards from the surface of the earth and is known as the troposphere. It is in the troposphere that nearly all weather conditions occur. The troposphere contains about 75% of the atmosphere's mass and a large 99% of the total mass of water vapor and aerosols. It must be noted that a very considerable measure of human exercises, such as gas inflatables, mountain climbing, and little airplane flights happen inside this area.

The Stratosphere

The stratosphere is the second layer after the troposphere and it extends over roughly 15 to 60 kilometers. The ozone layer (which is our focal point in this lesson) sits in the lower part of the stratosphere from around 20-30 kilometers over the surface of the earth. Though thickness of the ozone layer is around 3 to 5 mm, it practically vacillates relying upon the season of the year and place (geography).

Ozone Layer

Ozone layer is an important layer in earth's atmosphere that contains ozone which is a normally particle containing three atoms of oxygen. These ozone atoms shape a vaporous layer in the Earth's upper atmospheric layer called the stratosphere (which i have earlier discussed). This lower area of stratosphere containing generally higher centralization of ozone is called Ozonosphere. The Ozonosphere is covers 15-35 km (9 to 22 miles) over the surface of the earth.

THE COMPOSITION OF THE OZONE LAYER

Would you believe it if I told you that the bulk of the ozone layer is made up of Ultra-Violet (UV) rays?

It may come to many as an unexpected fact. But it is true that a same UV rays that the Ozone layer protects the Earth and her dwellers from shape the main part of ozone layer. As earlier noted, the Ozone is an exceptional sort of oxygen made out of 3 oxygen molecules rather than the typical 2 oxygen particles (as in 02). The Ozone layer is created when a couple of electrical release splits the 2 atoms in an oxygen(O2) molecule. Then the atoms independently reunite along with other types of molecules to form ozone.

The Depletion of the Ozone Layer

The ozone layer has been protecting life on planet earth for billions of years now. However it's presently being depleted by human activities.

Man only started to esteem the vital importance of the ozone layer to our survival as a species when researchers released an research finding recommending that specific human-made chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons usually found a way to reach the stratosphere and on doing so depletes the ozone by means of varied chemical reactions. The consequential effect of these findings was responsible for the signing of a global treaty known as the Montreal Protocol in the year 1973. This treaty has greatly helped in the large decrease in the manufacturing of these harmful human-made chemicals.

Why the Ozone Layer is Important

A fundamental property of ozone molecule is its ability to prevent rays of sunlight of wavelengths under 290 nanometers from getting to the Earth's surface. During this procedure, it likewise holds back UV radiations that are hazardous for most living creatures. UV radiation could harm life on Earth. A number of researchers have predicted a mass disruption of vulnerable terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems due to depletion of ozone layer.

Plants and plankton (protoplankton and zooplankton) cannot thrive in the presence of Ultra-violet radiation and both of these organisms are essential to life on Earth as they act as food for land and sea animals, respectively. As for we humans, high exposure to ultraviolet radiation greatly contributes to an higher risks of cancer (especially skin cancer) and cataracts (an eye defect). The other negative effects that the depletion of the ozone layer could have includes, sunburns and weakening of the immune system.

Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion

Scientific researches have substantiated that the reason for the depletion of the ozone layer is mostly the resultant effect human-made chemicals that contain chlorine or bromine. These chemicals are generally known as ODS, an acronym for Ozone-Depleting Substances. Various researchers have observed a diminish in stratospheric ozone since the mid 1970's. It is observed to be more conspicuous in Polar Regions.

Ozone Depleting substances

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
• Halons
• Carbon Tetrachloride
• Methyl Chloroform.

The Effects of Ozone Depletion

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• Harm to human wellbeing
  In a situation whereby the ozone layer is depleted, people will be excessively exposed to UV light and overexposure to solid UV light causes skin disease, sunburns, cataracts and even early aging.

• Risk to marine life
  Certain marine organisms, particularly planktons, are significantly affected by indiscriminate exposure to UV rays. In aquatic habitats, planktons tend to be at the bottom of the food chains and webs and In the event that they diminish in number because of ozone layer depletion, marine life would be greatly affected in many ways.

• Impact on other living creatures
  In certain creatures, a lot of Ultraviolet radiation could likewise prompt skin and eye tumor.

• Effects on certain materials
  Materials like plastics, wood, textures, elastic would be largely corrupted by an excess of UV radiation

Solutions to the Depletion of the Ozone Layer

1. Stopping the use of pesticides

2. Reduction in the driving of private vehicles

3. The use of eco-friendly cleaning items

4. Prohibiting the use of harmful nitrous oxide

References :

1. Conserve Energy Future || Ozone layer and causes of ozone depletion

2. National Geographic || Global warming and ozone depletion

3. The Britannica || Ozone Layer

4. Wikepedia || Ozone Layer

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