CLIMATE PERILS

 

The Ozone layer sits in the stratosphere between 15-30 kilometers above the earth and it shields living things fromthe suns harmful ultraviolent radiation.Ozone layer depletion could have serious effects on human health and environment.Depletion of stratosphere ozone occurs over both hemispheres of the earth.

However,the phenomenon is significantly less sever in northern hemisphere(Artic) than the southern hemisphere(Antarctica).Predominantly the ozone layer has shown signs of healing since the early 2000. At the same time,the extent of ozone hole is strongly driven by stratospheric temperature with warmer temperatures leading to a smaller ozone hole.

Green house gases have a cooling effect in the stratosphere,they contribute to global warming in the troposphere.This stratospheric cooling has a positive effect on ozone recovery with the exception of the polar regions.Very low temperatures lead to an increase in the formation of stratospheric clouds which facilitate ozone depletion.

The Ozone hole can also be influenced by volcanic eruptions,therefore depleting ozone.This explains why the ozone hole is comparatively getting larger each year.CFC(green house gases)  are found in relative concentrations in the atmosphere when compared to carbon dioxide so they are considered a minor player in global warming.

Ozone layer thinning is a human health risk.Thats because more ultra violent rays from the sun can pass through the layer and reach earths surface.Excess radiation is particularly worrisome and causes skin cancer and cataracts .This radiation is also a threat to marine life and plants.