Question

What do you mean by Ozone layer depletion? Mention its effects.

Answer 1

The ozone layer is responsible for absorbing harmful ultraviolet rays, and preventing them from entering theEarth's atmosphere. However, various factors have led to the depletion and damage of this protective layer. Learn more about the process, causes, andeffects of ozone layer depletion

Answer 2

Hi Mate


Ozone layer depletion, is simply the wearing out (reduction) of the amount of ozone in the stratosphere. Unlike pollution, which has many types and causes,Ozone depletion has been pinned down to one major human activity. ... Depletion begins when CFC's get into the stratosphere.


As ozone depletes in the stratosphere, it forms a 'hole' in the layer. This hole enables harmful ultraviolet rays to enter the Earth's atmosphere. Ultraviolet rays of the Sun are associated with a number of health-related, and environmental issues. Let us take a look at how ozone depletion affects different life forms.


Impact on Humans

Skin cancer: Exposure to ultraviolet rays poses an increased risk of developing several types of skin cancers, including malignant melanoma, and basal and squamous cell carcinoma.Eye damage: Direct exposure to UV radiations can result in photokeratitis (snow blindness), and cataracts.

Immune system damage: Effects of UV rays include impairment of the immune system. Increased exposure to UV rays weakens the response of the immune system.Accelerated aging of skin: Constant exposure to UV radiation can cause photo allergy, which results in the outbreak of rashes in fair-skinned people.Other effects: Ozone chemicals can cause difficulty in breathing, chest pain, throat irritation, and hamper lung functioning.

Effects on Amphibians

Ozone depletion is listed as one of the causes for the declining numbers of amphibian species. Ozone depletion affects many species at every stage of their life cycle. Some of the effects are mentioned below.Hampers growth and development in larvaeChanges behavior and habitsCauses deformities in some speciesDecreases immunity. Some species have become more vulnerable to diseases and deathRetinal damage and blindness in some species

Effects on Marine Ecosystems

Plankton (phytoplankton and bacterioplankton) are threatened by increased UV radiation. Marine phytoplankton play a fundamental role in both the food chain as well as the oceanic carbon cycle. It plays an important role in converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into oxygen. Ultraviolet rays can influence the survival rates of these microscopic organisms, by affecting their orientation and mobility. This eventually disturbs and affects the entire ecosystem.

Impact on Plants

In some species of plants, UV radiation can alter the time of flowering, as well as the number of flowers produced by a plant.Plant growth can be directly affected by UV-B radiation. Despite mechanisms to reduce or repair these effects, physiological and developmental processes of plants are affected.

Other Effects

Another observation is an increase in the ozone present in the lower atmosphere due to the decrease in the ozone in the stratosphere. Ozone present in the lower atmosphere is regarded as a pollutant and a greenhouse gas, that can contribute to global warming and climate change.

However, studies have pointed out that the lifespan of lower atmospheric ozone is quite less, compared to stratospheric ozone. At the same time, increase in the level of ozone in the lower atmosphere can enhance the ability of sunlight to synthesize vitamin D, which can be regarded as an important beneficial effect of ozone layer depletion.

Growing concern for ozone depletion led to the adoption of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, in order to reduce and control industrial emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Such international agreements have succeeded to a great extent in reducing the emission of these compounds.

However, more cooperation and understanding among all the countries is required to solve the problem completely. You too can do your bit to save the ozone. Use/buy more recycled products, save energy, use public transport, and most importantly, spread awareness. Our individual efforts can go a long way in saving the Earth's blanket.

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