Depletion of Ozone Layer

Depletion of Ozone Layer

A layer of gas high in the atmosphere normally absorbs harmful UV radiation before it reaches the ground. CFCs released into the air cause this ozone to break down, allowing the UV radiation to pass through. Ozone Layer: Ozone layer or ozonosphere is a region of ozone concentration in the stratosphere. It is also known as ozone umbrella or earth’s protective umbrella. It protects us from the ultraviolet rays from the sun. Ozone umbrella: There are 5 layers above the surface of the earth. They are: 1. Tropos Troposphe phere re 2. Strato Stratosph sphere ere 3. Mesosp Mesospher heree 4. Thermosph Thermosphere ere 5. Exosph Exosphere ere Among these 5 layers, the ozone is present mainly in the stratosphere. Ultraviolet rays from the sun are not allowed by the ozone layer. In the absence of ozone layer the UV rays reach the earth surface. A 10% reduction in ozone concentration will increase the ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface of the earth 40% Causes for the ozone depletion: The cause for the depletion in ozone layer includes Natural and Anthropogenic processes.

1. Natural processes : The Natural process of ozone depletion involves the conversion of atmospheric Nitrogen into Nitrogen oxides due to the solar activity. Nitrogen oxide is then transported to the polar region of  Stratosphere and depletes the ozone layer through photochemical reaction. The major reaction causes responsible for ozone depletion may be summarized as follows: 1. Very low low temperature temperature during during the Antarctic Antarctic winter. winter. 2. Formation Formation of Antarctic Antarctic vortex. vortex. 3. Presence Presence of chlorine chlorine species species in the the polar vortex vortex.. Chlorine is the major cause of depletion in ozone. 2. Anthropogenic process: Ozone layer is mainly affected by anthropogenic process. The first anthropogenic process assault on the protective ozone umbrella was made in 1970. When the Supersonic aircraft began flying in the stratosphere. The Nitrous oxide from the exhausts of these has caused much of destruction in ozone layer. The CFC’s and CFM’s (chlorofluromenthes) were responsible for peeling the ozone umbrella in the stratosphere. Hence they are called ozone eaters. The CFC’s deplete ozone by 14% by relishing chlorine into the stratosphere. Effect on ozone depletion: Effect on human beings: Depletion in ozone may cause disease in human beings. Skin cancer: Every one percent reduction in ozone may cause as much as six percent increase in Skin cancer. They are of two types: Carcinoma • Melanoma •

Sunburns: UV radiation causes the blood vessels or skin surface to carry more blood this is called Sunburns. Effect on climate: Ozone depletion may cause changes in weather elements such as Temperature, Wind pattern and Rainfall.