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Our Radiant Planet- Depletion Of The Ozone Layer - Online Term Papers

Our Radiant Planet- Depletion Of The Ozone Layer

Ozone is a relatively unstable form of molecular oxygen containing three oxygen
atoms produced when upper-atmosphere oxygen molecules are split by ultra violet
light. Stratospheric ozone is found in a broad band, extending generally from 15
to 35km above the earth. Although the ozone layer is surprisingly thin, it acts
as a protective shield to the earth, as it filters out most of the harmful solar
ultraviolet radiation (in particular UV-B) that would otherwise reach our
planets surface.

Humans have damaged the ozone layer by adding molecules containing chlorine
and/or bromine that lead to ozone destruction. The largest group among these are
chloroflurocarbons (CFC's). At ground level, ...

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bromine, nitrous oxide, and hydrogen oxide radicals are also
primarily dangerous. As a result, the Ozone in the stratosphere has been reduced
to such an extent that ozone holes are appearing around the globe, in particular
one over Antarctica that in 1995 measured 8.2 million square miles. This
depletion has allowed more dangerous UV-B radiation to reach the earths surface.

So what effects will ozone depletion have on us? Although, at present, the
ozone layer blocks out most of the damaging UVB radiation received from the Sun,
a small amount slips by, damaging out skin in the form of sunburns and suntans.
UVB radiation is strongly absorbed in the skin and in the outer layers of the
eye. Human skin has developed various defence mechanisms against the damaging
effects of UV radiation. The skin adapts to increased UV exposure by thickening
its outer layer and by developing pigmentation that serves to shade the more
vulnerable and deeper residing dividing cells. Overly ...

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Our Radiant Planet- Depletion Of The Ozone Layer. (2005, December 18). Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Our-Radiant-Planet-Depletion-Ozone-Layer/38163

"Our Radiant Planet- Depletion Of The Ozone Layer." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 18 Dec. 2005. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Our-Radiant-Planet-Depletion-Ozone-Layer/38163>

"Our Radiant Planet- Depletion Of The Ozone Layer." Essayworld.com. December 18, 2005. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Our-Radiant-Planet-Depletion-Ozone-Layer/38163.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 12/18/2005 12:07:27 AM
Category: Science & Nature
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 978
Pages: 4

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