The Ozone Layer Flashcards
The ozone layer is a natural formation of ozone what?
Where?
The ozone layer is a natural formation of ozone 15 to 50 km above Earth’s surface.
Over the years this layer has become thinner, allowing more what radiation to reach Earth’s surface. Some areas are so thin that they are called “what” in the ozone.
UV (Ultraviolet). Holes
A loss of ozone results in greater exposure to UV radiation on Earth’s surface, which could have wide-ranging harmful effects on organisms. For example:
The occurrence of human skin cancer, cataracts could increase, and plankton could die since they’re sensitive to it.
Scientists have concluded that the thinning of the ozone layer is caused by our use of chemicals called what?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
CFCs have been used in many different applications, including what?
Refrigerators, aerosol cans for products such as hair spray, and fire extinguishers.
CFCs move slowly from the lower atmosphere where we use them, to where?
Up into the upper atmosphere.
In the upper atmosphere, UV radiation breaks them down into substances, such as chlorine, that do what?
Destroy ozone.
Chlorine (Cl) atoms react with what molecules to form oxygen molecules (O2(g)).
The ozone (O3) molecules.
One chlorine atom can remove what and how many?
Ozone molecules and up to 100 000 of them.
Many countries have signed international agreements on reducing what?
The use of CFCs.
Monitoring substances such as CFCs is an important step in reducing what?
Their harmful impacts.
Scientists have concluded that the thinning of the ozone layer is caused by our use of chemicals called what?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
CFCs have been used in many different applications, including what?
Refrigerators, aerosol cans for products such as hair spray, and fire extinguishers.
These CFCs move slowly from the lower atmosphere where we use them, to where?
Up into the upper atmosphere.
In the upper atmosphere, UV radiation breaks them down into substances, such as chlorine, that destroy do what?
Destroy ozone.
Chlorine atoms react with the ozone molecules to form what?
Oxygen molecules (O2(g)).
Ice particles that form in the upper atmosphere, speed up the reaction that does what?
Removes the ozone molecules.
