The correct option is
B Thinning of the ozone layer
The correct option is B
Explanation of the correct option:
- The earth's stratosphere, or lower atmosphere, is where the ozone layer is found. Up to 97 percent of the damaging UV light that might kill or injure living things on Earth can be absorbed by it.
- Ozone layer depletion is the term for the process whereby the upper atmosphere's ozone layer thins due to the release of chemicals with gaseous chlorine or bromine from industry sectors or other human activities.
- Chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, are the main reason for the ozone layer's depletion. These chlorofluorocarbons are released by a variety of objects, including solvents, spray aerosols, freezers, and air conditioners.
- Chlorofluorocarbon molecules are broken down by UV radiation in the stratosphere, releasing chlorine atoms. By reacting with it, these atoms either eliminate the ozone layer or cause it to get thinner.
Explanation of the incorrect options:
Option A:
- Ozone-hole refers to the thinning of the ozone layer not a large-sized hole in the ozone layer.
- When present in the stratosphere, the ozone layer helps protect the Earth and its living forms from harmful radiation from the sun; however, when ozone is available in significant concentrations near ground level, it is toxic to living organisms.
Option C:
Small holes scattered in the ozone layer are not the correct option because ozone depletion causes the thinning of the ozone layer.
Option D:
- Ozone-hole refers to the thinning of the ozone layer not thickening of ozone in the ozone layer.
- When present in the stratosphere, the ozone layer helps protect the Earth and its living forms from harmful radiation from the sun; however, when ozone is available in significant concentrations near ground level, it is toxic to living organisms.
Final answer: Ozone-hole means thinning of the ozone layer.