Stratospheric Ozone
What does the stratosphere do?
Absorb infrared (heat) radiation from the Earth
Human-made chemicals are primarily responsible for ozone layer depletion
Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs)
What international agreement aimed to phase out CFCs?
Montreal Protocol
True
The ozone layer benefits Earth in what way?
Blocking harmful UV radiation
UV-B and UV-C
What is the primary cause of ozone depletion?
Chlorine atoms from CFCs
True
What atmospheric condition trigger ozone hole in Antartica?
Polar stratospheric clouds
Effects on human health b/c of thinning of the ozone layer
Skin cancer, eye cataracts and suppressing the body’s immune system
What is ozone made of?
A highly reactive pale-blue gas composed of three oxygen atoms
What is a consequence of ozone layer depletion?
Increased UV exposure
What temporary replacement for CFCs still depletes ozone to a lesser extent?
HCFCs.
T/F: Polar stratospheric clouds form over Antartica during the summer months.
False
Enviromental effects of thinning of the ozone layer
Reduced photosynthesis
Why are HCFCs less damaging to ozone than CFCs?
Break down faster
What is the chemical formula for ozone?
O3
T/F: HCFs are considered a permanent solution for ozone depletion.
False
What is a consequence of a hole in the ozone layer?
Human health and marine ecosystems
Effects of ozone depletion on food chain
High UV levels harm phytoplankton at the base of the marine food chain and reduce agricultural productivity by damaging plant growth.
What process is responsible for the natural formation of ozone?
UV-C splits O2 to form O atoms
What is the main use of CFCs?
Refrigerants and aerosols
Why was the Montreal Protocol effective?
Global Cooperation
September & October