Write about the ozone layer and how it is being depleted. How can this be stopped.

Question

Write about the ozone layer and how it is being depleted. How can this be stopped.

Answer 1

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html

Lots of great stuff there.

Answer 2

Ozone depletion happens in two ways.  One is the natural formation and breakdown of ozone through the Chapman Mechanism.  This is based on how UV-B and UV-C form and then break down ozone and create a loop to start the process over again.  It starts with an oxygen molecule coming into contact with UV-B and then forming O3.  then UV-C will break it down and creat O2 and O again thus completing the process.

The other way for ozone depletion deals with human activities.  This deals with ozone deplete chemicals (ODC).  These include chlorofluorucarbons and other halide based molecules.  What happens is that the molecule will rise into the atmosphere.  Then the solar radiation will split the molecule and release a Cl (or other halide) free radical.  Also a ClO molecule can sometimes be released.  These are highly reactive and will break apart a normal ozone molecule (O3) into O2 + O.  This creates breathable oxygen but depletes the ozone layer.

this occurs most readily at the south pole due to the molecules tendency to move towards the pole due to its magnetic attraction.  Once ClO is at the pole a unique meteorological effect tkaes place in which the molecules still to the clouds over the area.  Eventually high concentrations of ClO are built up and depletion occurs quicker.