Definition of Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is a region of the Earth's stratosphere that contains a relatively high concentration of ozone (O₃) molecules. This layer is situated approximately 10 to 30 kilometres above the Earth's surface, though the concentration of ozone is highest between 15 and 25 kilometres. The ozone layer acts as a protective shield, absorbing the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C rays, which are known to cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues in living organisms, as well as damage to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Statistics

1.Ozone Concentration: The average concentration of ozone in the stratosphere is about 10 parts per million (ppm), compared to about 0.3 ppm in the lower atmosphere (troposphere).

2.Ozone Distribution: The ozone layer contains roughly 90% of all ozone in the Earth's atmosphere.

3.Thickness Variation: The thickness of the ozone layer varies geographically and seasonally. It is typically thinner at the equator and thicker at the poles, and it fluctuates with the changing seasons, being thicker in the spring and fall.

4.Ozone Hole: The term ‘ozone hole’ refers to the dramatic thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica, first observed in the 1980s. At its worst, the ozone hole can reduce ozone levels by as much as 70% compared to normal concentrations.