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Effect of Green House gases on the Ozone layer

$1.25

Friday, January 22, 2016

Vol XCIII, No. 311

Role of Ozone Layer.....

What are Greenhouse gases? What do they do?

The ozone layer, also called the stratosphere, is composed of the ozone gas (90% of the total ozone in the atmosphere). The ozone has three oxygen atoms, and it is the result of the action of Ultra Violet (UV) radiation on oxygen molecules, composed of two oxygen atoms. Ozone thus plays a key role in the temperature structure of the Earth's atmosphere. Without the filtering action of the ozone layer, more of the Sun's UV-B radiation would penetrate the atmosphere and would reach the Earth's surface.Ozone is mainly found in two regions of the Earth's atmosphere. Most ozone (about 90%) resides in a layer that begins between 6 and 10 miles (10 and 17 kilometers) above the Earth's surface and extends up to about 30 miles (50 kilometers). This region of the atmosphere is called the stratosphere. The ozone in this region is commonly known as the ozone layer. The remaining ozone is in the lower region of the atmosphere, which is commonly called the troposphere.

What is happening to the Ozone Layer?

A gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation. Carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons are examples of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are a group of compounds that are able to trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth's surface warmer than it would be if they were not present. Greenhouse gases allow sunlight to pass through the atmosphere freely, where it is then partially absorbed by the surface of the Earth.The ability of these gases to trap heat is what causes the greenhouse effect. So the more greenhouse gases you have in the atmosphere, the more heat stays on Earth. This process, which is very similar to the way a greenhouse works, is why the gases that can produce this effect are collectively known as greenhouse gases.

In 1987, the leading industrial countries agreed to phase out these chemicals. Even so, satellites have shown that thinning of the ozone layer has continued over Antarctica. The ozone hole reached a record size in 2000, when it covered nearly 30 million sq. km, roughly the size of the North American continent. In 2006, an even greater amount of ozone was lost from the atmosphere, even though the hole was slightly smaller. Smaller ozone holes have also appeared over the Arctic. These holes allow more UV light to reach densely populated areas of Europe. The resulting increase in ultraviolet light at ground level gives rise to an increased risk of skin cancer. The ozone hole now occurs every year in Antarctica between the months of September and November, which is the South Pole's springtime. During this time, ozone levels over most of Antarctica are reduced by about 60% of their usual amount.

Ways to Prevent Ozone Depletion....

Thank You!!

1. Limit private vehicle driving

A very easy way to control ozone depletion would be to limit or reduce the amount of driving as vehicular emissions eventually result in smog which is a culprit in the deterioration of the ozone layer. Car pooling, taking public transport, walking, using a bicycle would limit the usage of individual transportation. It would be a great option to switch to cars/vehicles that have a hybrid or electric zero-emission engine.

2. Use eco-friendly household cleaning products

Usage of eco-friendly and natural cleaning products for household chores is a great way to prevent ozone depletion. This is because many of these cleaning agents contain toxic chemicals that interfere with the ozone layer. A lot of supermarkets and health stores sell cleaning products that are toxic-free and made out of natural ingredients.

3. Avoid using pesticides

Pesticides may be an easy solution for getting rid of weed, but are harmful for the ozone layer. The best solution for this would be to try using natural remedies, rather than heading out for pesticides. You can perhaps try to weed manually or mow your garden consistently so as to avoid weed-growth.

4. Developing stringent regulations for rocket launches

The world is progressing in scientific discoveries by leaps and bounds. A lot of rocket launches are happening the world over without consideration of the fact that it can damage the ozone layer if it is not regulated soon. A study shows that the harm caused by rocket launches would outpace the harm caused due to CFCs. At present, the global rocket launches do not contribute hugely to ozone layer depletion, but over the course of time, due to the advancement of the space industry, it will become a major contributor to ozone depletion. All types of rocket engines result in combustion by products that are ozone-destroying compounds that are expelled directly in the middle and upper stratosphere layer – near the ozone layer.

5. Banning the use of dangerous nitrous oxide

Due to the worldwide alarm caused by a study in the late 70s about the alarming rate at which the ozone was being depleted, nations around the globe got together and formed the Montreal Protocol in the year 1989 with a strong aim to stop the usage of CFCs. However, the protocol did not include nitrous oxide which is the most fatal chemical that can destroy the ozone layer and is still in use. Governments across the world should take a strong stand for banning the use of this harmful compound to save the ozone layer.

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