✅Ozone Layer

A series of vocabulary flashcards based on topics surrounding atmospheric chemistry, the ozone layer, and climate change.

Ozone Layer

A region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Man-made chemicals that were used in aerosols and refrigeration, known to deplete the ozone layer.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty signed in 1987 to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.

Ozone Depletion

The reduction in the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere, primarily caused by CFC emissions.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

A type of light from the sun that is harmful to living organisms and is absorbed by the ozone layer.

Ozone Hole

A region with significant depletion of ozone, most notoriously found over Antarctica.

Global Warming

The long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities and greenhouse gas emissions.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

A day observed annually on September 16 to raise awareness about the importance of the ozone layer.

Stratosphere

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

Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)

A greenhouse gas emitted from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A significant greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels and other activities, contributing to climate change.

Methane (CH₄)

A potent greenhouse gas emitted during the production of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as by livestock.

Atmospheric Chemistry

The study of the chemical composition of the Earth's atmosphere and its changes over time.

Ozone Production

The formation of ozone in the stratosphere from the reaction of oxygen molecules with UV light.

Ozone Destruction

The process by which ozone molecules are broken down into oxygen by chemicals such as CFCs.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)

A gas that can contribute to air pollution and the formation of tropospheric ozone.

Halocarbons

Organic compounds that consist of carbon and halogens, some of which contribute to ozone depletion.

UV-B Radiation

A type of UV radiation that can cause skin cancer and other health issues, blocked by the ozone layer.

Air Pollution

The presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere that can have deleterious effects on health and the environment.

Climate Change

A significant and lasting change in the Earth's climate, primarily driven by human activities.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth.

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.