The ozone layer is the thinnest and at the same time a light layer in the atmosphere, which is located at an altitude of about 50 kilometers above our planet.According to experts, in various Schroth earth it has totally different thickness and general location.However, in general, the concentration of the substance in the atmosphere at the moment is negligible.For example, if you collect all the substance in one layer and cover them our planet, the thickness of the ozone layer will be tenths of a millimeter.
What is the ozone layer
substance called ozone is one of the many varieties of oxygen molecules, which consists of three atoms (O³).This material is formed in the middle stratosphere.It is under the action of ultraviolet solar radiation decompose oxygen molecules into two atoms that subsequently come into more complex reactions with other molecules, and the result is a trihydric O³.
What you should know
ozone layer, is known to play a critical role in providing an enabling environment for living in the world.It is thanks to him, so to speak, blocked harmful to all living organisms solar radiation.It is well known that ultraviolet rays are able to reduce the immune system, cause burns and even lead to dangerous diseases such as cancer.For plants and animals this kind of influence is also unfavorable.On the other hand, if this type of protection is absent, then, as scientists say, life on the planet would be possible only in the seas and oceans, where the water column organisms have been hiding from the harmful effects of the sun.Thus, we can say for sure that the ozone layer is a true shield for the planet, which protects it for thousands of years.Experts can not, unfortunately, say exactly when it was formed.However, according to recent data the concentration of the substance in the atmosphere over the past few years, has fallen sharply, leading to the formation of the so-called ozone holes.The biggest hole is in this area of Antarctica.
Causes of ozone holes
Experts believe that the main reason for this situation is, above all, human industrial activity.The thing is that now there are enormous in scale emissions of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.Even if now humanity will cease all its activities, the full substance will be restored only after 50 years.
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
first joint attempt by States to protect the ozone layer was undertaken in 1985 when the two countries signed the so-called Vienna Convention.The city was officially proclaimed the concept of preservation of the site statosfery, who signed many countries.The obligation of the state to the formation of a national policy and subsequent implementation of measures that will be aimed at reducing the negative impact on the atmosphere of the planet.It is important to note that the convention did not provide specific timing of approved programs or any sanctions for countries that fail to comply with its substantive provisions.
