3.6 Ozone Layer

What is the ozone layer?

A portion of the stratosphere where there is a high concentration of ozone (10ppm of O3 vs 0.3 ppm)

What are benefits of ozone in the stratosphere?

It absorbs/scatters 98% of medium frequency UV light from the sin

What are consequences of ozone in the troposphere?

It is a pollutant that car harm living tissue/plant growth

What types of UV rays does the ozone layer absorb?

All UV-C, most of UV-B, but barely any UV-A

What happens when UV hits an oxygen molecule?

Splits into 2 oxygen atoms

What happens to oxygen atoms in the ozone layer?

They combine with oxygen molecules, making ozone

What happens when UV hits an ozone molecule?

It breaks into an oxygen molecule and oxygen atom

What are CFCs?

Chlorofluorocarbons, they contain chlorin and fluorine

What are some consequences of CFCs?

Unregulated use leads to a “hole” in the ozone layer (not really a hole, just a thin layer)

What is the Montreal Protocol?

An environmental agreement that regulates the production/consumption of chemicals that harm the ozone layer