Reducing Ozone Depletion

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to ozone depletion and the measures taken to mitigate it.

Ozone Layer

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

CFC

Chlorofluorocarbons, chemicals commonly used as refrigerants and aerosol propellants that deplete the ozone layer.

UV Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation from the Sun that can cause harm to living organisms, including skin cancer.

Stratosphere

The second layer of Earth's atmosphere, which contains the ozone layer.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where weather occurs and where we live.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

Chemicals used as substitutes for CFCs, which do not deplete the ozone layer but can be greenhouse gases.

Methyl bromide

An ozone-depleting chemical commonly used as a pesticide.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty designed to phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances.

Chlorine Monoxide

A compound formed when chlorine atoms react with ozone, further depleting the ozone layer.

Ozone Depletion

The thinning of the ozone layer in the stratosphere due to chemicals like CFCs.

Halons

Ozone-depleting substances used in fire extinguishers.

Freons

Trade name for a family of CFCs used in refrigeration and aerosol propellants.

UV-B and UV-C

Types of ultraviolet radiation; UV-B is harmful and UV-C is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer.

NGOs

Non-Governmental Organizations that advocate for environmental policies and practices.

UV-A

A type of ultraviolet radiation that has a long wavelength and can reach Earth’s surface.

Ozone molecule (O3)

A molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms, crucial for protecting Earth's surface from UV radiation.