Stratospheric Ozone and Its Importance

A collection of vocabulary flashcards focusing on concepts related to stratospheric ozone, its function, sources of depletion, and international response.

Stratospheric Ozone

Ozone located in the stratosphere that absorbs UV-C and much of UV-B radiation, crucial for protecting life on Earth.

UV-B and UV-C radiation

Types of ultraviolet radiation that can cause significant tissue damage and mutate DNA.

Montreal Protocol

Global agreement established in 1987 to phase out the use of CFCs in production and other applications.

CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons, man-made compounds that contribute to ozone depletion.

Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs)

Clouds formed in the stratosphere above Antarctica, made of water and nitric acid, that facilitate ozone depletion reactions.

HCFCs

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, replacements for CFCs that still deplete ozone but at a lesser degree.

Ozone Depletion

The process where ozone in the stratosphere is reduced, primarily due to human activities and chemicals like CFCs.

HFCs

Hydrofluorocarbons, replacements for HCFCs that do not deplete ozone but are still greenhouse gases.

HFOs

Hydrofluoroolefins, replacements for HFCs that have a shorter atmospheric lifetime and lower global warming potential.

Chlorine atom

An atom that, when released from CFCs by UV radiation, reacts with ozone, contributing to its breakdown.