Ozone layer
Ozone Layer
The Ozone Layer (pronunciation: /ˈoʊzoʊn ˈleɪər/) is a region of the Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules.
Etymology
The term "ozone" is derived from the Greek word "ozein" which means "to smell". This is due to the distinctive smell of ozone. The term "layer" in this context refers to the stratified nature of the Earth's atmosphere.
Description
The Ozone Layer is located approximately 10 to 30 kilometers above the Earth's surface. It plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Without the Ozone Layer, this radiation could cause a variety of health problems in humans and other organisms, such as skin cancer and cataracts, and could also damage ecosystems, particularly in marine environments.
Related Terms
- Ozone Depletion: This refers to the thinning of the Ozone Layer. It is primarily caused by human-made chemicals called ozone-depleting substances (ODS), which include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform.
- Ozone Hole: This is a region of the Ozone Layer where the ozone concentration is significantly lower than usual. The most well-known ozone hole is located over Antarctica and occurs annually.
- Montreal Protocol: This is an international treaty designed to protect the Ozone Layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: This is a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the Sun and has shorter wavelengths than visible light. Too much exposure to UV radiation can be harmful to living organisms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ozone layer
- Wikipedia's article - Ozone layer
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