Ozone Depletion

By Clarisse, Suleyman and Suzy

Table of Content

• Defining Ozone Depletion• The Worst Effected Region

• Main Causes• Why and How Ozone Depletion Happens

• Consequences• Few Diagrams Explaining the

Consequences• Suggested Solutions

Defining Ozone DepletionOzone Layer:- protects the earth from

ultraviolet rays- part of the earth’s

atmosphere - contains high concentration

of Ozone (O3)- concentration of O3 is small- important to life

Ozone Depletion:- large hole in the protection of the earth (ozone)- observed loss of ozone (over 50 years)- mainly above the northern and southern poles- more ultraviolet rays hitting/affecting earth- Man made substances

The Worst Hit Due to Ozone Depletion

Where?Antarctica (worst hit).What?• Ozone layers have dropped to 33% since 1975• Over 50% is destroyed • Great shockWhy/How?• Polar regions have larger variation in sunlight• Extremely low temperatures and Antarctic conditions• Cloud formation cause crystals • Crystals cause many reactions to occur

Main Causes

What?• Cosmic Rays• Sulphur put into the atmosphere • Stratospheric clouds together with

Chlorine, Bromine and nitrogen oxides• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s)

Stratospheric clouds

Why?How?Cosmic Rays:- Different types of rays- Rays react differently towards ozone- Not guaranteed as the causeSulphur:- Scientist still testing- Might not be the causeStratospheric Clouds:- Part of ozone layer- Support chemical reactions such as

chlorine- Chlorine is a catalyst for ozone

depletion- Stops the nitric acid from forming

the cloudChlorofluorocarbons:- Compounds of chlorine, carbon and

fluorine- Used as propellants - Unreactive- Remain in atmosphere for long time

Consequences Leading to Health Concerns

1. 10% loss in ozone, becomes 26% increase in skin cancer e.g. malignant melanoma- (skin cancer) e.g.2 Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas (skin cancer)

2. Reduces resistance to disease3. Reduction in food products- damage

plant tissues + destroys crops4. Increase in eye disorders + cataracts 5. Decrease in plankton

A diagram of how ozone depletion affects the rest of

our world.

Important Solutions to Minimize Ozone Depletion

Suggestions:- Use less

chemicals, phase out pollution

- Work together to reduce rate of depletion

- Add ozone to stratosphere

- Destroy CFC’s