The Ozone Layer
⭐ MasteredThe ozone layer is a layer of gas high above Earth that blocks most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Countries agreed to stop using chemicals that damaged it.
The hole over Antarctica is slowly shrinking.
All about The Ozone Layer
The ozone layer is a region of the upper atmosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone gas. It absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts and damage to plants and marine life.
In the 1980s, scientists discovered a large hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica, caused by certain chemicals, such as CFCs. In 1987, countries signed the Montreal Protocol to phase out these chemicals, and the ozone layer is now slowly recovering.
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Real-life uses of The Ozone Layer
- Shielding life on Earth from harmful UV light
- Explaining why sunscreen and hats matter
- Showing how international cooperation can solve global problems
Frequently asked questions about The Ozone Layer
What caused the ozone hole?
Chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), used in aerosols and refrigerants, destroyed ozone in the upper atmosphere.
Is the ozone layer recovering?
Yes. Scientists expect the ozone layer over Antarctica to recover around the 2060s, thanks to the Montreal Protocol.
Is ozone at ground level good?
No. Ground-level ozone is a pollutant that can harm people and plants, although the ozone layer high up protects us.