Ozone hole definition

Human activities cause ozone depletion and global warming Ozone (O 3) depletion does not cause global warming, but both of these environmental problems have a common cause: human activities that release pollutants into the atmosphere altering it. Global warming is caused primarily by putting too much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when coal, oil, and natural gas are burned to generate electricity or to run our cars. Carbon dioxide spreads around the planet like a blanket, and is one of the main gases responsible for the absorption of infrared radiation (felt as heat), which comprises the bulk of solar energy. Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons—gases formerly found in aerosol spray cans and refrigerants—are released into the atmosphere (see details below). Ozone sits in the upper atmosphere and absorbs ultraviolet radiaton, another type of solar energy that's harmful to humans, animals and plants. CFCs and halons cause chemical reactions that break down ozone molecules, reducing ozone's ultraviolet radiation-absorbing capacity. How ozone works The sun emits electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths, meaning energy at different intensities. The atmosphere acts like a multi-layer shield that protects Earth from dangerous solar radiation. Ozone is found in two different parts of our atmosphere. Ground level or “bad” ozone is a human health irritant and component of smog. It is found in the lower atmosphere (troposphere) and has nothi...

Almost 40 years ago, scientists discovered that human activities were depleting the ozone layer and that a hole had formed over Antarctica. These sobering discoveries brought the world together to tackle an environmental challenge of a lifetime. Decades later, the ozone hole has come a long way since its dire outlook in the 1980s. But it's not a cause for celebration just yet. There are still ongoing efforts between policymakers and scientists to ensure the ozone in the atmosphere is protected. In light of the hole’s ongoing recovery, here’s a guide to how the hole formed, the coordinated effort to fix it, and whether it's likely to ever to take a turn for the worse. What is ozone, anyway? Ozone, or trioxygen, is a highly reactive gas that’s composed of three oxygen atoms. You can find some ozone near Earth’s surface, but most is concentrated in the Earth’s stratosphere. At ground level, ozone is a poisonous molecule to humans and can damage the lungs when inhaled. Yet, it’s an essential and protective at 31 miles above the ground. At the stratospheric level, it connects with other ozone molecules in a cover known as the ozone layer . These ozone molecules absorb UV radiation , acting as a sunscreen for life on Earth. In the 1960s and 70s, researchers began discovering that certain substances — particularly manmade industrial chemicals — disrupt ozone molecules. These substances break down ozone molecules by stripping away one of the oxygen atoms. Over time, these reaction...

Recent Examples on the Web Ground-level ozone is the other cause of quality alerts and often stems from pollutants like car exhaust and industrial fumes mixing with oxygen. — Beck Andrew Salgado, Journal Sentinel, 24 May 2023 The announcement shows the success of the Montreal Protocol, a 1987 international agreement to ban chemicals, like certain refrigerants, that corrode ozone. — Eamon Barrett, Fortune, 11 Jan. 2023 The sky will be mostly sunny with an Air Quality Alert in effect for unhealthy ozone levels. — Dallas News, 17 June 2022 There is an Air Quality Alert for the DFW and surrounding area for ozone pollution. — Kxas-tv (nbc5), Dallas News, 17 May 2023 The Denver-area ban is focused on reducing ozone pollution, which causes breathing difficulties and contributes to climate change. — Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2023 Key Takeaways Fewer Americans are living in counties with failing air pollution grades, thanks to falling rates of ozone pollution. — Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2023 Around 25% more counties got an A grade in the report for lower levels of ozone pollution. — Jen Christensen, CNN, 19 Apr. 2023 Of the 25 worst counties for ozone air pollution, 17 were in California, according to the group’s data. — Gareth Vipers, wsj.com, 19 Apr. 2023 See More These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ozone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-We...