Question

What is Ozone layer? Highlight its importance for Earth.

Hint:

The ozone layer acts as Earth's protective shield. Avoiding CFCs and using eco-friendly alternatives like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) can help in ozone restoration.

Answer 1

The ozone layer is a region in Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules. It is located approximately 10 to 50 km above the Earth's surface and plays a critical role in absorbing the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The ozone layer shields living organisms from excessive UV radiation, which can cause severe health hazards such as skin cancer, cataracts, immune system suppression, and genetic damage.
The importance of the ozone layer extends beyond human health. It helps maintain ecological balance by protecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Excessive UV exposure can disrupt the growth of phytoplankton in oceans, which form the base of marine food chains. It also affects plant growth, reducing agricultural productivity.
Human activities, particularly the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from industrial products such as refrigerants, aerosols, and solvents, have led to the depletion of the ozone layer. This has resulted in the formation of the ozone hole, primarily over Antarctica. The Montreal Protocol was established to phase out ozone-depleting substances and has contributed significantly to ozone layer recovery.