This section contains 923 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
The so-called ozone hole sometimes is confused with the problem of global warming. Even though there is a connection between the two environmental issues, because ozone contributes to the greenhouse effect, the ozone hole is a separate issue. This article briefly addresses how ozone depletion is measured.
Ozone in Earth's Atmosphere
Ozone is a colorless, gaseous form of oxygen found in the Earth's atmosphere, primarily in the upper region known as the stratosphere, where it is naturally produced and destroyed. The chemical element oxygen normally forms a molecule containing two atoms (O2). But in the presence of ultra-violet light or an electrical spark in the air, oxygen can form a molecule containing three atoms (O3). The molecule of three oxygen atoms is called ozone.
Within the stratosphere is a layer between 20 and 40 kilometers (km) above Earth's surface that is known as the ozone layer. Here ozone...
This section contains 923 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |