Ozone Depletion

• The ozone layer is layer of gas that is located around the earth in the stratosphere
• The ozone layer is about 15-50km above the earth's surface
• Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive gas, with molecules each consisting of three oxygen atoms
• Stratosphere ozone, differs from surface ozone, because it is not a pollutant and is formed naturally
• The ozone layer absorbs 93-99% of the suns harmful ultraviolet rays before they reach earth
• Ozone depletion was first discovered in the mid 1980s
• The depletion was particularly visible over Antarctica and is often referred to as the hole in the ozone layer
• Depletion of ozone leads to a thinning of the ozone layer which increases the amount of harmful UV radiation reaching the earth
• Possible actions to limit ozone depletion:

  • Reduce use of products containing CFCs
  • Stricter legislation to limit release of ODSs