What is the ozone layer?

The ozone layer is the thinnest and at the same time light layer in the atmosphere, which is approximately 50 km above our planet. According to experts, at different earth cakes it has an absolutely excellent thickness and general arrangement. However, in general, the concentration of this substance in the atmosphere is currently negligible. For example, if we collect all the substance in one layer and cover it with our planet, then the thickness of the ozone layer will be equal to tenths of a millimeter.

What is the ozone layer?

A substance called ozone is one of many varieties of oxygen molecules, which consists of three atoms (O3). This substance is formed in the middle layers of the stratosphere. It is here that, under the action of ultraviolet solar radiation, the oxygen molecules break up into two atoms, which subsequently enter into more complex reactions with other molecules, and as a result, a triatomic O3 is formed.

What you should know about

The ozone layer, as is known, plays an important role in providing favorable conditions for living on Earth. It is thanks to him, so to speak, blocking the harmful to all living organisms, the radiation of the Sun. Everyone knows that ultraviolet rays can reduce immunity, cause burns and even lead to such dangerous diseases as cancer. For plants and animals this kind of influence is also unfavorable. On the other hand, if this kind of protection was not available, then, according to scientists, life on the planet would be possible only in the seas and oceans, where under the water column organisms would be hidden from the harmful effects of the Sun. Thus, it can be precisely stated that the ozone layer is a real shield for the planet, which has protected it for many thousands of years. Specialists can not, unfortunately, accurately say when it was formed. However, according to recent data, the concentration of this substance in the atmosphere over the past few years has fallen sharply, which has led to the formation of so-called ozone holes. The biggest such hole is in the zone above Antarctica.

Reasons for the formation of ozone holes

Experts believe that the main reason for this state of affairs is, first of all, the industrial activity of man. The thing is that there are now huge emissions of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Even if now mankind ceases all its activities, the substance will be fully restored only 50 years later.

Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer

The first joint effort by States to protect the ozone layer was made in 1985, when the countries signed the so-called Vienna Convention. In this city, the concept for the preservation of this section of the statosphere was officially proclaimed, which was signed by many countries. The obligations of these states included the formation of such a national policy and the subsequent implementation of measures that will be aimed at reducing the negative impact on the atmosphere of the planet. It is important to note that this convention did not provide for certain deadlines for the implementation of the adopted program or any sanctions for countries that do not comply with its main provisions.