OZONE: EARTH'S ROOF TOP SHIELD
THE OZONE LAYER : EARTH'S FRAGILE SHIELD AGAINST HARMFUL UV RAYS ABSTRACT The ozone layer, situated in the Earth's stratosphere, serves as a vital protective barrier against the sun's detrimental UV radiation. However, human actions have compromised its integrity, leading to severe depletion and posing significant threats to environmental and human health. INTRODUCTION Ozone, comprising three oxygen atoms, forms a protective layer in the stratosphere, approximately 10-50 kilometers above Earth's surface. Without this ozone layer, Earth would be exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation, much like a house without a rooftop. The ozone molecule, composed of three oxygen atoms, is formed when atmospheric oxygen decomposes after absorbing high-energy ultraviolet rays. The resulting oxygen atoms then combine with oxygen molecules to form ozone, which is subsequently converted back into oxygen upon absorbing lower-energy ultraviolet radiation.This cyclical process maintains ...