ozone depletion Flashcards
, is vital for life and absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted from the sun.
stratospheric ozone layer
stratospheric ozone layer, which lies at the height of __to___ kilometers above the
Earth,
10 to 50
This
protective layer has been extremely affected by human activities, especially the release of
ozone-depleting substances (ODS)
stratospheric ozone layer
These include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and
other long-lived chemical compounds.
ozone-depleting substances (ODS)
The most dramatically evident consequence of this process is the “__________,” a
seasonal depletion of ozone that recurs over Antarctica
ozone hole
enhance
chemical reactions that amplify ozone destruction during the springtime return of sunlight.
Polar stratospheric clouds
Higher instances of exposure to ____cause skin cancer, cataract formation, and
weakening of the immune system.
UV
an international agreement that provides for the
protection of the ozone layer by phasing out the use of ODS, specifically
chlorofluorocarbons and halons.
1987
Montreal Protocol,
is a layer of gaseous ozone in the stratosphere that keeps about 95% of the
sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the earth’s surface.
Ozone layer
is the chemical formula for ozone, a molecule made out of three oxygen atoms.
O3
The wearing out
(reduction) of the
amount of ozone in
the stratosphere
OZONE DEPLETION
used as
coolants, propellants, cleaners for
electronic parts, fumiginants, and
bubbles in plastic foam
Chlorofluorocarbons
used in
fire extinguisher
Halons and
Hydrobromofluorocarbons -
used as fumigant
Methyl bromide
emitted into the
stratosphere by space shuttles
Hydrogen Chloride
effects of ozone depletion in food and forest
Reduced yields for some crops.
Reduced seafood supplies from reduced
phytoplankton.
Decreased forest productivity for UVsensitive tree species.
This is the outermost layer, where particles in the atmosphere are very
sparsely populated and may even escape into space. This section runs from about 600
km above Earth’s surface to about 10,000 km.
Exosphere -
This layer reaches from 80 km up to 600 km, with temperatures
extremely hot due to solar radiation. It’s also where the auroras occur and contains the
ionosphere; that part is essential for radio communication.
Thermosphere
From 50 to 80 km altitude, it is Earth’s coldest atmospheric layer. The
majority of meteors burn up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere during this zone.
Mesosphere
From approximately 10 km to 50 km altitude, is the stratosphere, which
holds the ozone layer that absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation in a way that
protects life on Earth.
o Stratosphere -
This is the lowest layer reaching from the surface up to approximately
10 km height. It contains a great portion of earth’s weather, clouds, and water vapor.
Temperature decreases with altitude in this layer.
Troposphere
natural causes of ozone
volcanic activity
solar activity
lightning and storms
cosmic rays
can release large quantities of chlorine and
bromine compounds through the stratosphere
Volcanic Activity
also produce nitrogen
oxides NOx that react with ozone molecules
Lightning and Storms
Effects of Ozone Depletion
1) Human Health
a) More skin cancers, sunburns and premature aging of the skin.
b) More cataracts, blindness and other eye diseases.
c) Immune system suppression
Expected Effects of Ozone Depletion
Food and Forests
a) Reduced yields for some crops
b) Reduced seafood supplies form reduced phytoplankton
c) Decreased forest productivity for UV-sensitive tree species
Expected Effects of Ozone Depletion
a) Increased eye cataracts in some species
b) Decreased population of aquatic species sensitive to UV radiation
c) Reduced population of surface phytoplankton
d) Disrupted aquatic food webs from reduced phytoplankton
Expected Effects of Ozone Depletion
a) Increased acid deposition
b) Increased photochemical smog
c) Degradation of outdoor paints and plastics
Expected Effects of Ozone Depletion
a) Accelerated warming because of decreased ocean uptake of CO2 from
atmosphere by phytoplankton and CFCs acting as greenhouse gasses
Measures to Prevent the Ozone Depletion
1) Limit private vehicle driving
2) Use eco-friendly household cleaning products
3) Avoid using pesticides
4) Developing stringent regulations for rocket launches
5) Banning the use of dangerous nitrous oxide
