Ozone Depletion

This set of flashcards focuses on key terms and concepts related to ozone depletion, its causes, effects, and the international efforts to mitigate this environmental issue.

Stratosphere

The second layer of Earth's atmosphere, located 10-30 miles above the surface, which contains the ozone layer.

Ozone

A molecule made up of three oxygen atoms (O3) that absorbs ultraviolet light and protects life on Earth.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Chemical compounds used as refrigerants and in aerosol sprays that are responsible for ozone depletion.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty signed in 1987 aimed at phasing out the production of ozone-depleting substances.

Ozone Hole

A region over Antarctica where ozone levels have been significantly depleted, particularly during the southern hemisphere’s spring.

Ultraviolet Light (UV)

A type of electromagnetic radiation from the sun that can damage living tissues and is filtered by the ozone layer.

Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs)

Ice clouds that form in the extremely cold stratosphere over Antarctica, playing a role in ozone depletion.

UV Radiation Effects

Can cause cataract formation, melanoma, premature skin aging, and weakened immune system.

Dobson Spectrometer

An instrument used to measure total ozone content in the atmosphere.

CFC Destruction Mechanism

CFCs release chlorine in the stratosphere which then destroys ozone molecules.

Ozone Recovery

The process of the ozone layer healing, projected to take many years due to the long life span of CFCs in the stratosphere.

Skin Cancer Susceptibility

The likelihood of developing skin cancer, which varies by nationality and is influenced by UV exposure.

Good Ozone vs. Bad Ozone

Good ozone refers to ozone in the stratosphere that protects from UV rays, while bad ozone refers to ground-level ozone that is a pollutant.