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The ozone layer, or ozonosphere layer (rarely used term), is that part of the Earth's atmosphere which contains relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3). "Relatively high" means a few parts per million - much higher than the concentrations in the lower atmosphere but still small compared to the main components of the atmosphere. The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson. Its properties were explored in detail by the British meteorologist G. M. B. Dobson, who developed a simple spectrophotometer that could be used to measure stratospheric ozone from the ground. Between 1928 and 1958 Dobson established a worldwide network of ozone monitoring stations which continues to operate today. The "Dobson unit", a convenient measure of the total amount of ozone in a column overhead, is named in his honor.
Origin of ozone
The photochemical mechanisms that give rise to the ozone layer were worked out by the British physicist Sidney Chapman in 1930. Ozone in the earth's stratosphere is created by ultraviolet light striking oxygen molecules containing two oxygen atoms (O2), splitting them into individual oxygen atoms (atomic oxygen); the atomic oxygen then combines with unbroken O2 to create ozone, O3. The ozone molecule is also unstable (although, in the stratosphere, long-lived) and when ultraviolet light hits ozone it splits into a molecule of O2 and an atom of atomic oxygen, a continuing process called the ozone-oxygen cycle, thus creating an ozone layer in the stratosphere. Tropospheric ozone has two sources: about 10 % is transported down from the stratosphere while the remainder is created in situ in smaller amounts through different mechanisms.
More on [ Ozone layer ]
Ozone layer recovery may be delayed by greenhouse gas emissions - Environmental Expert (press release)
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:50:46 -0000
Ozone layer recovery may be delayed by greenhouse gas emissionsEnvironmental Expert (press release)The ozone layer in the stratosphere protects life on Earth from harmful radiation, but emissions from human activity have damaged this defence. ...and more »
Ozone Solution Poses a Growing Climate Threat - New York Times
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:44:11 -0000
World NewsOzone Solution Poses a Growing Climate ThreatNew York TimesA group of chemicals called hydrofluorocarbons, long hailed as a substitute for gases that can destroy the ozone layer, are now seen as ...Study: Ozone layer rescued at expense of the climateCOP15 CopenhagenRole of HFCs in climate change likely to riseenvironmentalresearchwebRefrigerants set to spur climate change: studyReutersMedia Newswire (press release) -Deccan Herald -USA Todayall 60 news articles »
Workshop to Prepare a National Plan on Ozone Layer Depletion (2009 ... - UN Syria
Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:02:29 -0000
Workshop to Prepare a National Plan on Ozone Layer Depletion (2009 ...UN SyriaFor his part, UNIDO Representative, Khaled Kylali said that the main goal is to prepare a national plan to conduct the process of excluding ozone layer ...Yemen launches program to protect the OzoneYemen Timesall 2 news articles »
LAW: The ozone depletion - Peninsula On-line
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:28:10 -0000
LAW: The ozone depletionPeninsula On-lineTherefore, we are discussing the Ozone layer, its depletion, the causes and results of this depletion, the Contribution of Chlorofluorocarbons to the ...Ozone destruction and what it can lead toAir Optionsall 2 news articles »
NEA/UNDP PRESENT TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT TO REFRIGERATION TECHNICIANS ... - Foroyaa online
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:46:51 -0000
NEA/UNDP PRESENT TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT TO REFRIGERATION TECHNICIANS ...Foroyaa onlineODS trainer and senior lecturer at GTTI Adul Aziz Mboge noted that the battle to repair the ozone layer represents a great concern to the Government of the ...and more »
Good reasons to go green - MiamiHerald.com
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:05:09 -0000
MiamiHerald.comGood reasons to go greenMiamiHerald.comDamage to the ozone layer: A thin layer of ozone exists above the Earth and forms a protective shield. One of the biggest culprits destroying the ozone ...and more »
Öko-Recherche - Analyses of material flows of chemicals in the environment, including chemicals damaging the ozone layer.
Beyond Discovery, The Ozone Depletion Phenomenon - Article describes how basic research has led to answers on what stratospheric ozone is, its role is in Earth's atmosphere and the devastating consequences of its depletion. Adapted from an account by Dr. F. Sherwood Rowland.
CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) and Ozone Depletion - CIESIN thematic guide
CIESIN Thematic Guide on Ozone Depletion - Overview of key concepts related to stratospheric ozone depletion, including the role of chlorofluorocarbons, health effects from increased exposure to UV-B radiation, environmental effects, and policies and responses.
Climate Prediction Center's Stratosphere Home Page - NOAA organization's UV Index forecasts and maps of stratospheric ozone depletion, daily hemispheric ozone, and stratospheric temperature time series.
EFCTC : Fluorocarbons (HCFC, HFC, PFC) and Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) - Presents information about fluorocarbons (HCFC, HFC, PFC) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), including applications, physical and chemical properties, environmental impact and regulatory aspects.
Meta Description: [ EFCTC presents information about Fluorocarbons (HCFC, HFC, PFC) and Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6): thei ]
Environmental Effects of Ozone Depletion - Report of 1998 United Nations Environment Programme Assessment Pane, covering changes in ultraviolet radiation, effects on human and animal health, effects on terrestrial ecosystems, effects on aquatic ecosystems, effects on biogeochemical cycles, effects on air quality, and effects on materials.
Meta Description: [ The UNEP Assessment Panel report on the Environmental Effects of Ozone Depletion contains information about UV-B radiation effects on human health, terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, air quality, and materials. ]
Environmental Effects of Ozone Depletion: 1998 UNEP Assessment - Special issue of Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology (pdf format) presents the seven technical papers comprising the United Nations Environment Programme assessment.
Meta Description: [ U.S. Global Change Research Information Office. Provides access to data and information on climate change research, adaptation/mitigation strategies and technologies, and global warming related educational resources for users worldwide. ]
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Handbook for International Treaties on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer - Includes the Montreal Protocol, which sets the elimination of ozone-depleting substances as its final objective, and follow-on agreements.
Meta Description: [ The Ozone Secretariat of the United Nations WWW site. This site is a clearinghouse of information related to the Ozone and the challenges faced in its preservation. ]
NSF Polar UV Monitoring Network - Monitors UV radiation at six sites in Antarctica, Argentina, California, and Alaska.
Ozone Depletion - News articles and background pieces covering the science and politics of ozone depletion.
Meta Description: [ Information on climate change. ]
Ozone UK, Europe and Global. - Ozone TOVS TOMS and GOME data. Unique NW Euro Maps and graphics. Calculated global and UK averages using GRIB data. Links to Ozone, Weather and Climate.
Meta Description: [ www.weather-info.co.uk/ozone.html Ozone averages, comparison and loops UK and Globe ]
SAGE III Ozone Loss and Validation Experiment (SOLVE) - a measurement campaign sponsored by NASA's Ames Research Center designed to examine the processes controlling ozone levels at mid- to high latitudes.
SEDAC: Stratospheric Ozone and Human Health Project - Data and resources in the areas of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ozone, and human health impacts of UV exposure. UV radiation is known to be a significant risk factor for skin cancers, eye cataracts, and immune system suppression.
Meta Description: [ SEDAC's Stratospheric Ozone and Human Health Project home page. The purpose of this project is to provide data and resources in the areas of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ozone, and human health impacts of UV exposure for use by researchers, educators, government officials, health providers, studen... ]
Stratospheric Ozone - This Environment Canada site deals with issues, programs and other aspects having to do with stratospheric ozone.
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion - NASA resource file for students and teachers
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: Air Resources Branch of the BC Government - Information on science, issues and actions on ozone depletion, with respect to British Columbia, Canada.
Meta Description: [ Contaminated Sites Hompage. Provides information on Legislation, Regulations, Policies, Procedures, Protocols, Analytical Methods, Techical and Adminstrative Guidande, and more. ]
Stratospheric Ozone Monitoring and Research in NOAA - Provides a comprehensive technical primer on the ozone layer and its depletion, as well as access to real-time and historical monitoring data, descriptions of instruments used to detect ozone, and related information and links.
Meta Description: [ The NOAA Stratospheric Ozone webpage is a one stop website for access to real-time as well as historical stratospheric ozone products, descriptions of instruments used to detect ozone, and of the organizations involved in collecting and archiving stratospheric ozone data. Information is also prov... ]
The European Ozone Research Coordinating Unit (EORCU) - Co-ordinating unit of stratospheric ozone research in Europe.
The Ozone Hole Tour - An overview of the ozone layer and the development of the ozone hole over the Antarctic hosted by the Centre of Atmospheric Science, University of Cambridge.
Meta Description: [ The Ozone Hole Tour is a multimedia educational journey of discovery.
Find out about the history of the discovery of the hole, the science behind it and what scientists
are doing to understand it. ]
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The Ozone Secretariat - Intergovernmental organization for the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Includes information on these treaties and their implementation.
The Science of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion - Union of Concerned Scientists primer on the ozone layer, its importance, the effects of human-produced chemicals, and prospects for the future.
Meta Description: [ Information about the threats to the global environment from global warming and the loss of biological diversity, which includes the contribution of forests to reducing global warming, and global-warming solutions, and the role of invasive species. ]
Third European Stratospheric Experiment on Ozone (THESEO) - THESEO is taking place during 1998 and 1999. The main aim is to improve our understanding of the causes of ozone depletion over Europe and other mid-latitude regions, where the ozone layer has been progressively depleted for the last 20-30 years.
UK Stratospheric Ozone Measurement - Current and archived stratospheric ozone measurements over the UK plus information about ozone depletion and UV.
Meta Description: [ UK Stratopheric Ozone and UV Measurements ]
UNEP OzonAction Programme - A global clearinghouse service and Regional Networks of NOUs that promote the exchange of information, experience and know-how required to meet commitments under the Montreal Protocol.
US Environmental Protection Agency: Ozone Depletion - Information about stratospheric ozone depletion, US regulations about CFCs and substitutes, ozone science, international policy, and the UV Index
Meta Description: [ Information about ozone depletion, US regulations about CFCs and substitutes, ozone science, international policy, and sun safety ]
USDA UVB Radiation Monitoring Program - Collects information on geographical distribution and temporal trends of UVB (ultraviolet -B) radiation in the US, in order to assess potential impacts of increasing ultraviolet radiation levels on agricultural crops and forests.
Meta Description: [ contains project information, interactive
data browser and pictures of sites and instrumentation. ]
Worrest, Robert C. - About the Director of the US Global Change Research Information Office (GCRIO) and Associate Director for CIESIN Washington Operations, and his publications on the effects of stratospheric ozone depletion on the biosphere.
Meta Description: [ Dr. Worrest is Director of the US Global Change Research Information Office (GCRIO) and Associate Director for CIESIN Washington Operations. ]
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