OZONE LAYER.• The ozone layer is a layer in Earth's atmosphere which contains
relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3).
• This layer absorbs 97–99% of the Sun's high frequency ultraviolet light, which potentially damages the life forms on Earth.
• It is mainly located in the lower portion of the stratosphere from approximately 20 to 30 kilometres above Earth.
• Created by ultraviolet light striking oxygen atoms (O2), splitting them into individual oxygen atoms (atomic oxygen);
• The atomic oxygen then combines with unbroken O2 to create ozone, O3
OZONE LAYER DEPLETION.
• The ozone layer can be depleted by free radicals
hydroxyl (OH-), chlorine (Cl-), bromine (Br-). chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and
bromofluorocarbons
EFFECTS OF OZONE DEPLETION.• More ultraviolet light from the sun can reach the Earth. • UV increase can cause skin cancer, cataracts
(snowblindness or photokeratitis), and suppression of the human immune system.
• In addition to cancer, some research shows that a decreased ozone layer will increase rates of malaria and other infectious diseases.
• Oceans will be affected as well. The most basic microscopic organisms such as plankton may not be able to survive.
• Climate changes. Melting of glaziers (rising sea levels)