the ozone layer

• Ozone 3 oxygens bonded together, which is known as triatomic oxygen. 
• The ozone formed 0.5 billion years ago, formed from cyanobacteria photosynthesising and releasing oxygen. 
• Ozone is important because it absorbs  harmful UV radiation. 
• The formation of ozone is an example of dynamic equilibrium. 
• UVc is the most harmful because it has the shortest wavelength. 

  UVb is less harmful because it has a longer wavelength. 

  UVa is the least harmful because it has the longest wavelength. 

   
• If UVb reaches the earths surface in high intensities there is an increased frequency of cataracts, damage to DNA, damage to chlorophyll and reduced photosynthesis, phytoplankton productivity is reduced.