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Explore where Ozone Layer is Concentrated in the ______
In this article, we will particularly talk about the protective shield of the Erath, Ozone Layer, Where Ozone layer is concentrated in the atmosphere, and much more.
We have provided detailed information about the topic starting from what is the Ozone layer, the meaning, causes, and effects of ozone layer depletion, the importance of the ozone layer.
Define Ozone layer
The Ozone layer is a protective shield around the earth’s surface which is present in the stratosphere approximately 15-30 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
Which function is performed by Ozone Layer?
The layer functions by absorbing the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the Sun. Also, it prevents them from reaching the Earth’s surface.
It is formed of a high and dense concentration of ozone molecules.
The Ozone layer is often referred to as the ozonosphere.
It is present in the upper atmosphere which extends from approximately 10-15 kilometers. It can even span up to 50 kilometers.
Properties of Ozone layer
Ozone properties can be further classified into – Physical properties and Chemical properties
Physical properties of Ozone Layer
- Ozone is a coloured gas of blue colour
- It has a boiling point of -112° Celsius and freezing point of -192.2° Celsius
- Ozone is a dipolar molecule and electrophilic and reacts very selectively
- Ozone partially dissolves in water at atmospheric pressure
- As compared to oxygen, ozone has the thrice its solubility
- Atomic weight – 48
- Density – 2.12 kg O₃/ m³ Bij 0 °C 1013 mbar
- Electrochemical potential – 2.07 volt
- Ozone occurs bluish in the gaseous state and dark blue in a fluid state
Chemical properties of Ozone layer
- Ozone in its gaseous states has a pungent and acrid smell
- It has a cylindrical structure with its oxygen atoms at a distance of 1.26 Å
- It has three oxygen atoms with a molecular weight of 48.00
- Ozone is an unstable gas and decomposes at 573k instantaneously
- Oxidizing agent – It is a powerful oxidizing agent
- Reducing agent – It has reducing property as it reduces peroxide to oxide and getting reduced to oxygen
- The moist starch-iodide paper test – Turns it blue
Distribution of Ozone layer in the Stratosphere
Over 90% of the ozone present in the atmosphere is present above the troposphere.
It is 9 km in the Polar Regions and 16-17 km in the tropic region above the earth’s surface.
The highest concentrations of ozone are found between 20-30 kilometres above the earth’s surface and 10 kilometres above the tropopause.
The concentration and distribution of the ozone vary with the seasons as well.
The highest concentrations are reported in the mid to late winters in the northern regions and Polar Regions.
High ozone concentrations in winter lead to cold surface temperatures.
Why is the Ozone layer important to living things?
Ozone holds immense importance for the earth and humans. It prevents most of the harmful UV radiations to reach the earth’s surface by absorbing them.
Moreover, his regulates the earth’s temperature by keeping the ultraviolet rays away from the inhibited surroundings.
Above all, UV rays can be harmful to humans, plants, animals and surroundings and the ozone layers protect the ecosystem by absorbing them.
Life without ozone on the earth would be difficult and dangerous. Also, it reflects the ultraviolet rays back into space to a certain extent.
Ozone layer depletion definition
Ozone layer depletion refers to the breaking down of the ozone molecules which leads to the thinning of the ozone layer in the stratosphere.
In other words, when the number of ozone molecules is reduced or wears out due to harmful chemicals such as chlorine, they layer of ozone present in the atmosphere thins causing the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun to enter the Earth’s surface.
Ozone layer depletion Causes
Ozone layer depletion is significantly caused by human activities which involve emission of human-made chemical that contains chlorine or bromine.
What do CFC do?
When contacted with the ozone particles, chlorine and bromine eradicate an atom from the ozone molecule.
They are so dangerous that even one chlorine atom can successfully break down thousands of ozone molecules.
Chlorofluorocarbons are the chief reason behind the depletion. They are used by various things of daily use such as soap, refrigerators, insulating foams, aerosol sprays, and air conditioners.
Ozone Layer Depletion Effects
The harmful UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C rays have adverse effects when directly exposed to. They affect humans, plants, marine life, biogeochemical changes, and materials as well.
- Increased chances of the harmful UV-B radiations to reach the Earth’s surface which disrupts biological processes and damages various materials
- Prolonged exposure to harmful radiations, if reached the Earth’s surface can lead to various skin problems including cancer
- The human immune system is impacted and premature skin ageing can be experienced
- Direct UV rays affect plant growth and their physiological processes
- The dangerous UV-B rays reduce phytoplankton production and decrease orientation and motility
- UV-B rays can affect various synthetics, polymer, and biopolymer materials by reducing or limiting their useful lifespan.
What is the Montreal Protocol of the Ozone layer?
Signed on 16 September 1987, the Montreal Protocol is an international agreement developed with the purpose to protect the depletion of the Ozone layer.
The agreement deliberates about regulating the production of substances which are known to be Ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
The treaty also aims to regulate and reduce ODS consumption which damage the ozone layer when released in the atmosphere.
The protocol establishes the responsibility of all 197 UN Member States to act as per the agreement.
Montreal Protocol was fabricated around several man-made chemicals that are grouped as halogenated hydrocarbons.
The chemical substances which the treaty regulates contain chlorine or bromine.
From the date when the Protocol came into effect, the concentration of CFCs and chlorine or bromine hydrocarbons have been decreased or levelled off to a certain extent.
Why is the Montreal Protocol important?
The Montreal protocol holds immense significance in recognizing the ODCs as the leading cause of ozone layer depletion.
It determined and acted on the treat that followed and depletion and developed strict measures for it.
Owing to the implications of the treaty, the ODCs emission and production has been regulated.
The ozone layer has started to recover and is expected to recover as the 1970s by the 2050s or 2060s.
Also read:-
What is Air and its composition?
Ozone layer is present in which layer of atmospher?
High concentration of Ozone layer is present in stratosphere about 15-30 kms above the earth’s surface.
Ozone layer thickness is measured in?
The thickness of ozone layer concentration is measured in Dobson Units (DU).
Ozone layer is getting depleted because of?
Chlorofluorocarbons are the chief reason behind the depletion.They are used by various things of daily use such as soap, refrigerators, insulating foams, aerosol sprays, and air conditioners.
Hello! My name is Mansi Shrivastava who happens to have a knack for writing. It has not always been what I admired but developing into a writer was something I appreciate the most now. When not glued to the computer screen, I love to try my hand in arts and crafts. Also, binge-watching with a bowl of snacks has always been my thing.