Earth's Atmosphere and Ozone Layer Flashcard

Front

What caused the decrease in the amount of ozone in Earth's atmosphere in the 1970s?

Back

Chemical reactions between ozone and certain human-made chemicals.

Front

What is the function of ozone in Earth's atmosphere?

Back

It absorbs UVB energy from the sun.

Front

What health effects are caused by the increase in UVB light due to the hole in the ozone layer?

Back

Increased rates of skin cancer and other diseases.

Front

What action did many countries take after identifying the chemicals causing the ozone hole?

Back

Banned the use of those chemicals.

Front

What has happened to the hole in the ozone layer since the chemical bans went into effect?

Back

It has shrunk.

Front

What is ozone?

Back

Ozone is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms (O3) that forms a layer in the Earth's stratosphere.

Front

Why is the ozone layer important?

Back

It protects living organisms by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Front

What are CFCs?

Back

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are human-made chemicals that were commonly used in refrigeration and aerosol sprays.

Front

How do CFCs affect the ozone layer?

Back

CFCs release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere, which react with ozone and deplete it.

Front

What is UV radiation?

Back

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy emitted by the sun that can be harmful to living organisms.