Ozone Layer and Its Depletion
The ozone layer plays a very important role in protecting people from the harmful UV Rays emitted by the sun, which can cause various types of skin-related diseases. However, due to the rise in temperature across the world, and the increase in the harmful pollutants in the atmosphere, the ozone layer is getting depleted, which will have catastrophic effects for us in the future.
What is the Ozone Layer?
The ozone layer is defined as the region located in the earth’s stratosphere, that generally consists of ozone gas in high concentration. And as stated above, this layer consisting of ozone gas reduces the infiltration of Harmful UV Radiation or Rays into our atmosphere.
Moreover, the lower portion of the earth’s atmosphere is where the ozone layer is located. The presence of the ozone layer reduces the chances of people getting infected with various types of skin diseases, as well as affects the immunity of the person.
What is Ozone layer Depletion?
The process of gradual thinning of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere of the earth is because of the release of various harmful compounds like chlorine or bromine, that are released due to various human activities. And because of this, scientists have recently observed a large hole in the ozone layer in Antarctica, which is rapidly increasing in size.
Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion
There are multiple causes for the depletion of the Ozone Layer, which we will talk about briefly here in this section.
Chlorofluorocarbons
The Main cause of ozone layer depletion is Chlorofluorocarbons. Which are generally released from Air conditioners, Refrigerators, etc. Besides, these CFCs get separated into chlorine atoms when they come in contact with UV radiation, and the resultant chlorine atoms destroy the ozone atoms.
Nitrogenous Compounds
Nitrogenous compounds like NO2, NO, and N2O also contribute to Global Warming as well as Ozone Layer Depletion.
Natural Causes
Apart from man-made activities, natural causes also play an active role in the depletion of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. Volcanic Eruptions, sunspots, and Stratosphere are some of the popular examples of the Natural Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion.
Rocket Launches
In recent days, there has been an increase in the use of unregulated rockets, for various purposes. And these unregulated rockets release a large number of pollutants in the air, which are more harmful to the ozone layer than the CFCs.
Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion
Now that we have an idea about the causes of Ozone Layer Depletion, let us talk about the common effects of Ozone Layer Depletion.
Environment
Due to the depletion of the ozone layer, the photosynthesis process in the plants gets affected, as a result, the growth of various types of plants is slowed down.
Marine Life
Plankton in aquatic habitats like oceans and seas are the major food source for multiple types of species that thrive in these types of habitats. However, because of the direct UV Radiation, these species survival is getting affected.
Human Health
If the ozone player in the atmosphere gets depleted at fast rates, then harmful UV rays will make direct contact with humans, and cause them various types of diseases or infections, such as sunburns, weaker immunity, cataracts, cancer, and various skin diseases.
Animals
Similar to humans, all animals also contract various types of skin diseases, due to the depletion of the ozone layer.
Ways to Prevent Ozone Layer Depletion
As you can understand from the above sections, Ozone Layer Depletion is a major concern, and in order to reduce or stop the depletion, we can follow certain ways or methods such as,
Reduce the Use of CFCs
CFCs, as you know, are the major pollutants, so it is better for us to avoid overusing refrigerators and Air conditioners.
Nitrous Oxide
It is important for governments across the world to prevent the use of nitrous oxide and instead look for more renewable gases that offer similar applications and functions.
Reduce Usage of Vehicles
A large number of pollutants are released into the atmosphere, because of the usage of combustion engine vehicles every day. Thus, to prevent ozone layer depletion, we suggest people use more electric vehicles and other vehicles which use renewable sources of energy.
Eco-Friendly Living
Besides, it is possible for us to prevent the worsening of the ozone layer depletion and therefore global warming, by making our lifestyle eco-friendlier, especially by following the principles, Reuse, Reduce and Recycle.
Conclusion
In the above article, we have provided a comprehensive description of the facts about ozone layer depletion, its causes, effects, and multiple ways to prevent it. Similarly, if you have doubts or issues understanding any other topics or chapters in this subject, then you can join the online interactive classes offered by the Tutoroot Platform. Through these classes, you will be able to access various benefits including expert staff, access to the best educational materials, cost-effective prices, etc, which will help you get a better understanding of the chapter or subject.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the causes of Ozone Layer Depletion?
As explained in the article above, there are multiple causes for the depletion of the ozone layer such as CFCs, Volcanic Eruptions, Vehicular Pollution, Over Usage of Rockets, and many more.