Saturday, May 25, 2013
OZONE DEPLETION
Causes
of Ozone Depletion
The cause of ozone
depletion is the increase in the level of free radicals such as hydroxyl
radicals, nitric oxide radicals and atomic chlorine and bromine. The most
important compound, which accounts for almost 80% of the total depletion of
ozone in the stratosphere are chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). These compounds are
very stable in the lower atmosphere of the Earth, but in the stratosphere, they
break down to release a free chlorine atom due to ultraviolet radiation. A free
chlorine atom reacts with an ozone molecule (O3) and forms chlorine monoxide
(ClO) and a molecule of oxygen. Now chlorine monoxide reacts with an ozone
molecule to form a chlorine atom and two molecules of oxygen. The free chlorine
molecule again reacts with ozone to form chlorine monoxide. The process
continues and the result is the reduction or depletion of ozone in the
stratosphere.
Possible
Effects of Ozone Depletion
If you are
wondering why is the ozone layer important, then the answer lies in the harmful
effects of ultraviolet rays. The ozone layer is responsible for absorbing the
ultraviolet rays and thereby preventing them from passing through the
atmosphere of Earth. Ultraviolet rays of the Sun are associated with a number
of health related and environmental issues. The most important of these is the
association between ultraviolet rays and an increased risk of developing
several types of skin cancers including malignant melanoma, basal and squamous
cell carcinoma. Even the incidents of cortical cataracts can also increase
significantly with the increased exposure to ultraviolet rays.
The effects of ozone
depletion are not limited to humans only, as it can affect animals and plants
as well. It can affect important food crops like rice by adversely affecting
cyanobacteria, which helps them absorb and utilize nitrogen properly.
Phytoplankton, an important component of the marine food chain, can also be
affected by ozone depletion. Studies in this regard have shown that ultraviolet
rays can influence the survival rates of these microscopic organisms by
affecting their orientation and mobility.
Ozone depletion is a
crucial environmental problem on Earth. The growing concern over CFC production
and the hole in the ozone layer is causing alarm among scientists and citizens.
A battle has ensued to protect Earth's ozone layer.
In the war to save the ozone layer, and you
may be at risk. The enemy is far, far away. 93 million miles away to be exact.
It is the sun. Each day the Sun is a vicious warrior constantly bombarding and
attacking our earth with harmful Ultra Violet radiation (UV). Earth has a
shield to protect against this constant bombardment of harmful UV radiation. It
is the ozone layer. UV radiation causes a host of problems for plants,
animals, and humans including dangerous melanoma cancers. Watch a short video
clip on the ozone layer as it provides protection to Earth from harmful solar
radiation.
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