Ozone is primarily helpful because it protects life on Earth from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The Protective Ozone Layer
The ozone layer, located mainly in the stratosphere (between about 10 and 50 kilometers altitude), acts as a shield. Ninety percent of atmospheric ozone resides in this layer.
- Shield against UV Radiation: Ozone molecules absorb UV radiation from the sun, preventing most of it from reaching the Earth's surface.
- Importance for Life: This absorption is crucial because excessive UV radiation can cause:
- Skin cancer
- Cataracts
- Damage to plant life
- Disruption of marine ecosystems
The Ozone Hole: A Threat to Ozone's Benefits
The "ozone hole," a thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica, demonstrates the importance of maintaining this protective shield. Loss of stratospheric ozone increases the amount of harmful UV radiation reaching the surface, posing risks to human health and the environment.
