Stratospheric Ozone Depletion and Climate Change Overview

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to stratospheric ozone depletion and climate change.

Ozone Hole

A region of depleted ozone concentration in the stratosphere, often observed over Antarctica.

Dobson Units (DU)

A measurement unit used to quantify the total amount of ozone in a column of air.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Chemical compounds that contribute to ozone depletion; used in refrigeration and aerosol propellants.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty aimed at phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer.

Stratosphere

The atmospheric layer located between 20km and 50km above the Earth's surface, rich in ozone.

Ozone Formation

The process by which ozone is created from high-energy ultraviolet radiation that splits oxygen molecules.

Ozone Destruction

The breakdown of ozone molecules primarily caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the stratosphere.

Ultraviolet Radiation (UV)

High-energy radiation emitted by the sun that ozone absorbs to protect life on Earth.

Atmospheric Layers

Different levels in the atmosphere distinguished by temperature changes, including troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

Polar Stratospheric Clouds

Clouds that form at extremely low temperatures in the stratosphere, which facilitate ozone depletion.

Ozone Layer

A region within the stratosphere where the concentration of ozone is highest, protecting Earth from UV radiation.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Estimated 2 million cases of skin cancer could be avoided annually due to the effects of the Montreal Protocol.

Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD)

A measure of the amount of aerosols in the atmosphere that affect climate and air quality.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

Energy Imbalance

The difference between the incoming solar energy and the outgoing energy, influenced by greenhouse gases.