Ozone refers to a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms (O3) that is found in the Earth's atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Think of ozone as a protective shield around the Earth, like sunscreen for our planet. Just like how sunscreen protects our skin from getting burned by the sun, ozone acts as a barrier that shields us from harmful UV rays.
Stratosphere: The stratosphere is the layer of the Earth's atmosphere located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It contains a high concentration of ozone, which forms the ozone layer.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays: UV rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun. They have shorter wavelengths than visible light and can cause damage to living organisms, including skin cancer and cataracts.
Ozone depletion: Ozone depletion refers to the thinning or reduction in concentration of ozone molecules in the ozone layer. This can be caused by human-made substances called ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which contribute to global warming and climate change.
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