How ozone hole is developed?
The ozone hole has developed because people have polluted the atmosphere with chemicals containing chlorine and bromine. Once released from CFCs, chlorine (Cl) then reacts with ozone (O3) to form ClO and O2. ClO quickly breaks down to release the Cl atom which can repeat the process with another O3 molecule.
Why was the development of ozone so important?
Scientists believe that the formation of the ozone layer played an important role in the development of life on Earth by screening out lethal levels of UVB radiation (ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths between 315 and 280 nanometres) and thus facilitating the migration of life-forms from the oceans to land.
What is the cause of ozone?
Ozone is formed when heat and sunlight cause chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOX ) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), which are also known as Hydrocarbons. This reaction can occur both near the ground and high in the atmosphere.
What is the current status of the ozone hole 2021?
Credits: NASA Ozone Watch On 27 October, NASA and NOAA confirmed the 2021 ozone hole reached its maximum area on October 7, peaking at 9.6 million square miles (24.8 million square kilometers) – roughly the size of North America – ranking it the 13th largest since 1979.
Where is ozone hole found?
Antarctica
Recently, scientists discovered a weak spot in the ozone layer over Antarctica. Satellite observations have confirmed a progressive deterioration in the Earth’s protective ozone layer above Antarctica, according to scientists…
Can we make ozone?
Ozone is naturally produced through certain types of chemical reactions. It is however less known that ozone can be artificially produced, so that it can be used for water treatment. Ozone generators can create ozone artificially by means of extremely high voltages or by means of UV-light.
Why is ozone harmful to humans?
When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections.
How is ozone formed and depleted in nature?
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.