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Why are scientists concerned about the depletion of the ozone layer?
The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing dangerous UV rays from hitting Earth’s surface and harming living organisms. But, ozone depletion is also concerning because it directly impacts the health of humans, and other living organisms.
What is destroying the ozone layer?
Ozone Depletion. When chlorine and bromine atoms come into contact with ozone in the stratosphere, they destroy ozone molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere. Ozone can be destroyed more quickly than it is naturally created.
When did Scientist discover the ozone hole?
1985
In the scientific journal Nature on May 16, 1985, three scientists from the British Antarctic Survey announce their detection of abnormally low levels of ozone over the South Pole.
What makes up the ozone layer?
Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. These atoms are very reactive, and a single oxygen atom can combine with a molecule of oxygen to form ozone (O2+ O -> O3). The individual ozone molecules make up what we call “the ozone layer”.
What scientist discovered the ozone hole?
Jonathan Shanklin
In 1985 Jonathan Shanklin was a junior researcher at BAS when he discovered a hole in the invisible shield that protects us from solar radiation. We catch up with him to learn about his work and how it has made a difference. It’s 36 years since scientists first discovered the hole in the ozone layer.
When did the ozone layer start depleting?
Beginning in the late 1970s, a large and rapid decrease in total ozone, often by more than 60 percent relative to the global average, has been observed in the springtime (September to November) over Antarctica. Farman and his colleagues first documented this phenomenon over their BAS station at Halley Bay, Antarctica.
What year will the ozone layer disappear?
In 2017, NASA announced that the ozone hole was the weakest since 1988 because of warm stratospheric conditions. It is expected to recover around 2070. The amount lost is more variable year-to-year in the Arctic than in the Antarctic.