ozone depletion
TRANSCRIPT
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