Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Causes
According to the research on Stratospheric ozone depletion, the causes of ozone depletion can be categorized into two types: natural processes and anthropogenic activities.
Natural Processes
Some natural processes, such as eruptions of large volcanoes indirectly contribute to the Stratospheric ozone depletion. One study showed that in 1991 Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption produced large amounts of tiny particles called aerosols. These aerosols increase chlorine’s potential to destroy the ozone layer.
Anthropogenic Activities
- Emission of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Highly volatile CFCs used as solvents, refrigerants, foam-blowing agents, degreasing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire extinguishers (halons) are responsible for ozone layer depletion.
- Unregulated Launches of Rockets: Studies revealed that unregulated rocket launches can lead to more ozone depletion than CFCs.
- Global Warming: Global warming and the greenhouse effect also contribute to the ozone layer depletion. Due to the greenhouse effect, the heat radiated from the Earth’s surface is trapped in the Troposphere, and cannot reach the Stratosphere level. Thus, the Stratosphere remains cold and this low temperature initiates ozone depletion in the Stratosphere.
- Emission of nitrogenous compounds: Nitrogenous Compounds such as NO, N2O, and NO2 emitted from fossil fuel combustion, vehicles, and agricultural pesticides are considered to be greatly responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.
Stratospheric Ozone – Causes and Effects of Ozone Depletion
Stratospheric ozone is a naturally occurring gas in the upper atmosphere (stratosphere) that filters the Sun ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Stratospheric ozone depletion allows more ultraviolet rays to reach the Earth’s surface harming the animals and plants. The ozone layer absorbs UV radiation, limiting its reach to the Earth’s surface, and also generating heat that helps regulate the atmosphere’s temperature structure. In this article, we will cover Stratospheric ozone production, depletion, ozone hole, the importance of Stratospheric ozone, and much more
Table of Content
- What is Stratospheric Ozone?
- Stratospheric Ozone Production
- Why is the Ozone Layer Important?
- What is the Ozone Hole?
- Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
- Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Causes
- What are the Effects of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion?
- Stratosphere Ozone Layer Protection
- Stratospheric Ozone vs Tropospheric Ozone