Question

Fill in the blanks below with the correct vocabulary word or words. The ozone layer helps protect us from __________.

Short answer

ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Context

The ozone layer is part of Earth's atmosphere that contains high concentrations of ozone (O3). It is located in the stratosphere, and one of its primary functions is related to environmental protection.

Identifying the Role of the Ozone Layer

Research and scientific explanations tell us that the ozone layer plays a crucial role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun. Without this layer, the Earth would be exposed to intense levels of UV radiation, which could lead to environmental and health problems.

Filling in the Blank

Based on the ozone layer's function, the blank in the statement should be filled with 'ultraviolet (UV) radiation'. This acknowledges the protective role of the ozone layer in shielding living organisms on Earth from this harmful solar radiation.

Key concepts

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy emitted by the Sun. It is invisible to the human eye, yet it has significant effects on health and the environment. UV radiation is categorized into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Each type of UV has a different wavelength and affects the Earth in various ways.

• UVA rays have the longest wavelengths and can penetrate deep into the skin, leading to aging and long-term skin damage.
• UVB rays have slightly shorter wavelengths and are primarily responsible for sunburn. They can also contribute to skin cancer.
• UVC rays have the shortest wavelengths, but fortunately, they are absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the Earth's surface.

One of the critical roles of the ozone layer in the stratosphere is to absorb the majority of the Sun's harmful UVB and all of the UVC rays. By blocking these rays, the ozone layer prevents potential health risks such as skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system suppression. On a larger scale, it also shields ecosystems and wildlife, providing a vital role in environmental protection.

Stratosphere

The stratosphere is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, lying above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. This layer extends from about 10 to 50 kilometers (approximately 6 to 31 miles) above the Earth's surface.

• The stratosphere is home to the ozone layer, which is especially concentrated between 15 and 35 kilometers.
• Unlike the troposphere, the stratosphere is characterized by a stable temperature pattern. Temperatures increase with altitude due to the absorption of UV radiation by the ozone molecules.
• This temperature structure creates a layer of air that is very stable, making it less turbulent than the troposphere.

The stability of the stratosphere is crucial for aviation, as commercial jets often fly within its lower regions to avoid turbulence. Moreover, the presence of the ozone layer in the stratosphere is a shield that blocks the harmful solar UV radiation from reaching the Earth's surface.

Environmental Protection

Environmental protection involves the efforts to shield ecosystems and human health from damage caused by human activities and natural phenomena. The ozone layer in the stratosphere is a natural component critically involved in this protection.

• By absorbing harmful UV radiation, the ozone layer reduces the threat of environmental issues such as the degradation of ecosystems and harm to wildlife.
• Ozone depletion, a result of certain human-made chemicals, compromises this natural barrier, allowing more UV rays to reach the Earth, which can lead to increased skin cancers, weakened immune systems, and affect biodiversity.
• Environmental protection efforts focus on reducing substances that harm the ozone layer, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), through international agreements like the Montreal Protocol.

Protecting the ozone layer is not just about safeguarding human and animal health—it is essential for maintaining the balance of global ecosystems. Ensuring the preservation of the ozone layer ties into broader environmental protection initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and conserving natural resources for future generations.