What is Ozone Layer?
- The Ozone layer is fragile shield of gas (O3 mostly) which protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation of Sun and thus helping preserve life on the planet.
- It contains high concentrations of ozone (O3) in relation to other parts of the atmosphere.
- Stratospheric Ozone is not harmful, but its presence on land is harmful.
- Substances like Chlorofluorocarbons, halons, Carbon tetrachloride are responsible for ozone layer depletion.
What is Ozone Hole?
- Ozone hole is a region of exceptionally depleted ozone in the stratosphere over the Antarctic
- It happens at the beginning of Southern Hemisphere spring (August–October).
- The thinning increasing the penetration of UV rays on the earth surface thereby increases the risks of its adverse impacts such as skin cancer.
Is there any development in Ozone hole?
Ozone hole over Antarctic is healing. The most dominating factor in the depletion of ozone layer is the release of Chlorine from CFCs molecules. The Montreal Protocol has led to reduction in the production and release of CFCs in the atmosphere.