Reducing Ozone Depletion

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to ozone layer depletion and CFCs as discussed in the lecture.

Ozone Layer

A region of the stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons, chemical compounds used as refrigerants, solvents, and aerosol propellants that deplete ozone.

UV Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation from the Sun that can cause harm to living organisms and is partially absorbed by the ozone layer.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

Substitutes for CFCs that do not deplete the ozone layer but can act as greenhouse gases.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty signed in 1987 aimed at reducing the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.

Ozone depletion

The thinning of the ozone layer caused by substances such as CFCs, leading to increased UV radiation reaching the Earth.

Stratosphere

The second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere, where the ozone layer is found.

Halons

Chemical compounds used in fire extinguishers that are also known to deplete the ozone layer.

Chlorine monoxide

A molecule produced when a chlorine atom from a CFC reacts with an ozone molecule, contributing to ozone depletion.

Ozone molecule (O₃)

A molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms, crucial for forming the ozone layer in the stratosphere.