Question

What would happen if the ozone layer in the atmosphere disappears?

Answer 1

Ozone layer:

1. Ozone is a triatomic molecule of oxygen found in the atmosphere.
2. It is represented as O₃.
3. Ozone is highly concentrated in the stratosphere layer (10 - 50 km above sea level).
4. This layer is called the ozone layer or ozonosphere

Depletion of ozone layer:

1. Ozone is formed and broken down continuously in the atmosphere under a natural balance.
2. But human activities have led to the loss of this balance leading to thinning of the ozone layer.
3. The major threat to the ozone layer is from chemical substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halogens, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

4. Life on earth will be adversely affected if the ozone layer in the atmosphere disappears.

Effects of ozone layer Depletion:

I. Human health:

1. Depletion of the ozone layer by even 1% can increase the risk of skin cancer by 3-5%.
2. Increased incidence of eye diseases like cataract.
3. Suppresses immune system.

II. Agriculture and plant life:

High UV radiation leads to stunted growth of plants.

III. Marine environment:

1. Damages the photosynthesizing phytoplankton in the sea which helps in reducing global warming.
2. Aquatic organisms like fish, shrimps, crab larvae and other small animals are also damaged.

IV. Material damage:

1. Materials like plastic undergo degradation and break easily due to long-standing UV radiation exposure.