The ozone layer is the thinnest and at the same time the lightest layer in the atmosphere, which is located approximately at an altitude of 50 kilometers above our planet. According to experts, at different meal of the Earth, it has a completely different thickness and general location. However, in general, the concentration of this substance in the atmosphere is currently negligible. For example, if you collect all the substance in one layer and cover our planet with it, then the thickness of the ozone layer will be equal to tenths of a millimeter.
What is the ozone layer
A substance called ozone is one of many varieties of oxygen molecules that consists of three atoms (O³). This substance is formed in the middle layers of the stratosphere. It is here that under the action of ultraviolet solar radiation, oxygen molecules decompose into two atoms, which subsequently enter into more complex reactions with other molecules, and as a result a triatomic O³ is formed.
What you should know about
The ozone layer, as you know, plays a crucial role in ensuring favorable conditions for living on Earth. It is thanks to him that, so to speak, the radiation of the Sun detrimental to all living organisms is blocked. Everyone knows that ultraviolet rays can reduce immunity, cause burns and even lead to such dangerous diseases as cancer. For plants and animals, this kind of effect is also unfavorable. On the other hand, if this kind of protection were not available, then, according to scientists, life on the planet would be possible exclusively in the seas and oceans, where under the water column organisms would hide from the harmful effects of the sun. Thus, we can say for sure that the ozone layer is a real shield for the planet, which has been protecting it for many thousands of years. Unfortunately, experts cannot say exactly when it was formed. However, according to recent data, the concentration of this substance in the atmosphere has sharply decreased over the past few years, which has led to the formation of so-called ozone holes. The largest such hole is located in the area above Antarctica.
Causes of Ozone Holes
Experts believe that the main reason for this state of affairs is, first of all, human industrial activity. The thing is that huge emissions of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere are now observed on a large scale. Even if humanity now ceases all its activities, the substance will be fully restored only after 50 years.
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
The first joint effort by states to protect the ozone layer was made in 1985, when countries signed the so-called Vienna Convention. In this city, the concept of preserving this part of the statosphere was officially proclaimed, which many countries signed. The obligations of these states included the formation of such a national policy and the subsequent implementation of measures that will be aimed at reducing the negative impact on the planet’s atmosphere. It is important to note that this convention did not provide for specific deadlines for the implementation of the adopted program or any sanctions for countries that do not comply with its main provisions.
