The ozone layer restricts ultraviolet radiation.
X-rays and gamma rays are high-energy radiation that can penetrate the ozone layer. Visible light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. Infrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye, but can be felt as heat.
The ozone layer is a region of Earth’s stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation. It contains high concentrations of ozone (O3) relative to other parts of the atmosphere, although still small in relation to other gases in the stratosphere. The ozone layer contains less than 10 parts per million of ozone, while the average ozone concentration in Earth’s atmosphere as a whole is about 0.3 parts per million. The ozone layer is mainly found in the lower portion of the stratosphere, from approximately 20 to 30 kilometers (12 to 19 mi) above Earth, although its thickness varies seasonally and geographically.
The ozone layer is important because it protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer and other health problems, and it can also damage plants and animals. The ozone layer is also important for the Earth’s climate. Without the ozone layer, the Earth would be much warmer than it is today.
The ozone layer is being depleted by human activities, such as the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are chemicals that were once used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and other products. When CFCs reach the stratosphere, they break down and release chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms react with ozone molecules, destroying them.
The depletion of the ozone layer is a serious problem. It is important to protect the ozone layer so that we can continue to live on a healthy planet.