Where is the ozone layer located and why is it important?

Where is the ozone layer located and why is it important?

• A. In the troposphere; absorbs UV.
• B. In the mesosphere; traps heat.
• C. In the stratosphere; absorbs ultraviolet radiation protecting life.
• D. In the thermosphere; reflects solar radiation.

Answer: (C)

The most important idea is that the ozone layer sits high enough above Earth to shield living things from the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation. It is located in the stratosphere, roughly 10 to 50 kilometers up, with the greatest ozone concentration around 20–30 kilometers. In this region, ultraviolet light from the Sun splits oxygen molecules and enables the formation of ozone (O3). The balance of formation and destruction of ozone in the stratosphere creates a relatively dense layer of O3 that absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful UV-B and UV-C rays. By filtering this radiation, the ozone layer protects DNA, skin, eyes, and many ecosystems from damage and reduces health risks for living beings on Earth. The absorption of UV by ozone also warms the surrounding air, which is why the stratosphere gets warmer with altitude in this region. In other atmospheric layers, ozone isn’t present in a concentrated layer, so they don’t provide the same UV shielding.

The most important idea is that the ozone layer sits high enough above Earth to shield living things from the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation. It is located in the stratosphere, roughly 10 to 50 kilometers up, with the greatest ozone concentration around 20–30 kilometers. In this region, ultraviolet light from the Sun splits oxygen molecules and enables the formation of ozone (O3). The balance of formation and destruction of ozone in the stratosphere creates a relatively dense layer of O3 that absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful UV-B and UV-C rays. By filtering this radiation, the ozone layer protects DNA, skin, eyes, and many ecosystems from damage and reduces health risks for living beings on Earth. The absorption of UV by ozone also warms the surrounding air, which is why the stratosphere gets warmer with altitude in this region. In other atmospheric layers, ozone isn’t present in a concentrated layer, so they don’t provide the same UV shielding.