The "good" ozone is the stratospheric ozone.
Here's a breakdown:
Understanding Ozone and its Types
Ozone (O3) is a naturally occurring gas in the Earth's atmosphere. It has different effects depending on where it's located.
Stratospheric Ozone: The Good Kind
- Location: Found in the stratosphere, a layer of the atmosphere between 10 and 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface.
- Function: As stated in the reference, stratospheric ozone acts as a vital filter, absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, especially UV-B radiation.
- Benefit: By filtering UV radiation, stratospheric ozone protects life on Earth from the damaging effects of excessive exposure, such as skin cancer, cataracts, and harm to plants and marine ecosystems.
The Impact of Ozone Depletion
A thinning or depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, often referred to as the "ozone hole," allows more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface. This increased radiation can lead to:
- Higher rates of skin cancer and cataracts.
- Damage to plant life and reduced agricultural yields.
- Harm to marine ecosystems, affecting the food chain.
