Ozone Depletion: Causes, Effects & Protection | Complete Environmental Science Guide
Ozone Depletion Explained | Montreal Protocol, Ozone Hole & Global Protection Introduction The ozone layer is a region of the stratosphere that contains relatively high concentrations of ozone (O₃). It plays a vital role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing a large portion of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation . During the 20th century, scientists discovered that certain human-made chemicals were damaging the ozone layer, particularly over Antarctica. This phenomenon became known as the Antarctic ozone hole . What Causes Ozone Depletion? The major cause of ozone depletion is the release of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Halons Carbon tetrachloride Methyl chloroform Methyl bromide These chemicals can reach the stratosphere, where ultraviolet radiation breaks them down and releases chlorine or bromine atoms. These atoms participate in catalytic reactions that destroy ozone molecules. A simplified reaction is: Cl + O...