Ozone Layer (Noun)
Meaning
A layer in the stratosphere (at approximately 20 miles) that contains a concentration of ozone sufficient to block most ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- The ozone layer protects the Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can cause skin cancer and other health problems.
- Scientists have been monitoring the ozone layer for decades, tracking its depletion and recovery due to human activities and natural fluctuations.
- The Montreal Protocol, an international treaty signed in 1987, aimed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out substances that contribute to its depletion, such as chlorofluorocarbons.
- Chlorine and bromine atoms in the stratosphere can catalytically destroy ozone molecules, leading to thinning of the ozone layer and increased exposure to UV radiation.
- NASA's Aura satellite has been studying the Earth's atmosphere, including the ozone layer, to better understand its dynamics and the impact of human activities on its health.