ozone layer

     

The ozone layer is a layer in Earth's atmosphere which contains relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3). This layer absorbs 93-99% of the sun's high frequency ultraviolet light, which is potentially amaging to life on earth. Over 91% of ozone in earth's atmosphere is present here. "Relatively high" means a few parts per million—much higher than the concentrations in the lower atmosphere but still small compared to the main components of the atmosphere. It is mainly located in the lower portion of the stratosphere from approximately 15 km to 35 km above Earth's surface, though the thickness varies seasonally and geographically. The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson. Its properties were explored in detail by the British meteorologist G. M. B. Dobson, who developed a simple spectrophotometer that could be used to measure stratospheric ozone from the ground. Between 1928 and 1958 Dobson established a worldwide network of ozone monitoring stations which continues to operate today(2008). The "Dobson unit", a convenient measure of the total amount of ozone in a column overhead, is named in his honor.

Trivia about ozone layer

  • An environmental revolution was ignited in the '80s after scientists discovered a "hole" in this
  • Over 90 nations have agreed to a total ban on CFCs by the year 2000 to protect this atmospheric layer
  • In the 1970s it was discovered that CFCs may be affecting this layer of atmosphere
  • in the 1980s research scientists first detected a "hole" in this above Antarctica
  • 12 to 30 miles up, this atmospheric "layer" largely in the stratosphere protects us from the full force of ultraviolet rays
  • In September 2000 it was disclosed that the hole in this had spread to about 11 million square miles
  • Without this endangered layer of the atmosphere, you'd get a real bad sunburn
  • September 16 is International Day for the Preservation of this atmospheric layer
  • The hole in this develops every spring over Antarctica & lasts for a few months

Found pages about ozone layer