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5 Functions of the Ozone Layer for Life, Know the Causes and Effects of Depletion

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Understanding the function of the ozone layer must begin by recognizing the formation and location of ozone itself. Ozone consists of three molecules that are located on the atmosphere, to be precise in the stratosphere and troposphere. The existence of the ozone layer, according to some scientists, greatly affects life on earth.

The reason is, the function of the ozone layer is related to welfare and ecosystem creatures in earth. The function of the ozone layer is able to protect from UV radiation, foreign objects outside the planet, regulate Earth’s temperature, and much more. But unfortunately the function of the ozone layer will not have an impact if depletion occurs.

Moreover, ozone is a very small component of the atmosphere. In order to avoid the problem of ozone depletion, the spread of ozone depleting substances such as CFC, HCFC must be suppressed.

In order to better understand about the ozone layer, below Liputan6.com review the function of the ozone layer from various sources, Friday (15/1/2021).

Get to know the Ozone Layer

Earth Illustration | Credit: pexels.com/Simon

Talking about the definition of the ozone layer must be closely related to its protection for the earth to protect ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ozone is a gas consisting of three molecules or O3.

The position of ozone is in two layers of the atmosphere, namely the stratosphere and the troposphere. According to data compiled by the Environment and Forestry Service of Banten Province, the troposphere (about 10-16 km from the earth’s surface) contains 10% of this layer. The remaining 90% is in the stratosphere (50 km from the troposphere).

The troposphere is the safest and ideal layer of the atmosphere for living things, because in this layer, there is water vapor and carbon dioxide. In this layer, weather and climate still occur, such as rain, snow, storms, wind, and others.

While the stratosphere is the layer inhabited by the ozone layer, and temperatures are very cold. In this layer, there is ozone which is very beneficial for the absorption of ultraviolet light.

In general, the function of the ozone layer is to protect the earth from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The ozone layer works by holding 99 percent of the radiation, while the remaining 1 percent is transmitted to the earth.

Ozone Layer Functions

Polar illustration | Valdemaras D. from Pexels

The function of the Ozone Layer as a Radiation Shield

The atmosphere in which the ozone layer is located serves as a protective shield against radiation and cosmic rays. Radiation occurs due to exposure to dangerous sun rays.

Without protection, radiation can cause severe damage to the skin and eyes. The ozone layer high in Earth’s atmosphere blocks most of this radiation from reaching the surface.

The Function of the Ozone Layer as Physical Protection

The ozone layer in the atmosphere is very important to protect the earth’s surface from falling celestial bodies. When celestial bodies such as meteors approach the earth, the ozone layer will destroy them before they reach the earth’s surface.

The function of the Ozone Layer as a temperature regulator

Not only regulates radiation, the ozone layer also functions to maintain Earth’s temperature. The molecules in the atmosphere where the ozone layer is located can absorb solar energy as soon as it arrives.

Then spread that warmth all over the planet. Molecules also trap energy reflected from the surface, preventing the night side of the planet from becoming too cold.

The function of the Ozone Layer as Light Control

Not all energy from the sun is absorbed by the atmosphere in the ozone layer. Earth can receive energy from the sun’s electromagnetic radiation.

Solar energies reflected by the earth’s surface are immediately absorbed, reflected or transmitted by the ozone layer.

The Function of the Ozone Layer as Life Control

The ozone layer in the stratosphere has benefits for absorption of ultraviolet light. So that creatures on earth can be protected from exposure to ultraviolet rays.

The gas content in the atmosphere is beneficial for humans, plants and animals. Such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen.

The Cause Of The Depletion Of The Ozone Layer

Illustration of air pollution by factory fumes (Source Environmental Protection Agency / EPA)

The ozone layer can be threatened by several factors until it is depleted. The factor that causes the depletion of the ozone layer is man-made on earth. The trigger is the increased use of Ozone Depleting Substances, known as BPO.

BPO consists of chlorophlorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and carbon dioxide (CO2). The origin of BPO is human activity.

Starting from the use of refrigerators, air conditioners, air fresheners, cosmetic equipment, spray paint, mosquito spray, motorized vehicle smoke, factories, use of chemical fertilizers, forest cutting, and many more.

The danger is that these substances can continue to accumulate and accumulate in large quantities into the stratosphere. The main function of the stratosphere is absorption of ultraviolet light. If its function is disrupted, then an increase in the earth’s temperature and other natural crises can occur.

Reporting from the dlhk.bantenprov.go.id page, the ozone layer in the stratosphere, about 50 km from the earth’s surface, protects the earth from ultraviolet radiation caused by the sun.

The Impact of the Depletion of the Ozone Layer

Illustration of an asteroid approaching Earth | (Via: telegraph.co.uk)

The depletion of the ozone layer will ultimately have an impact on global warming which triggers melting of polar ice, rising sea levels, uncertain weather and climate, and increasing natural disasters.

Depletion of the ozone layer which increases the sun’s ultraviolet radiation to the earth can exacerbate the problem of skin cancer, eye cataracts, and the body’s resistance to infectious diseases, inhibit plant growth, and even destroy small organisms on earth.

Collecting data from the Environment and Forestry Service of Banten Province, there were observations in 1980-1991 that found a hole in the ozone layer that grew to almost the area of ​​the Australian continent.

After that, research in 2011 showed results began to improve. The hole is still left over the North Pole, Russia and Autralia. In 2014, the United Nations commemorated International Ozone Day as a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of global warming or global warming.

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