In which of the following spheres of the atmosphere is the Ozone layer found?

The correct answer is Stratosphere.

Key Points

• The ozone layer is primarily located in the lower portion of the stratosphere, approximately 10 to 30 miles (15 to 50 kilometers) above Earth.
• It absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, specifically UV-B and UV-C rays, protecting living organisms on Earth.
• The thickness and concentration of the ozone layer vary seasonally and geographically, being thicker at the poles and thinner at the equator.
• Human activities, particularly the emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have led to the depletion of the ozone layer, resulting in the formation of the ozone hole.

Additional Information

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
  • CFCs are synthetic compounds containing carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, once widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants.
  • They are known to cause significant damage to the ozone layer by releasing chlorine atoms upon exposure to UV radiation.
• Montreal Protocol
  • An international treaty agreed upon in 1987 to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
  • It is considered one of the most successful environmental agreements, having achieved substantial reductions in the release of ODS.
• UV Radiation
  • Ultraviolet radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun, categorized into UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C based on wavelength.
  • While UV-A is the least harmful, UV-B and UV-C are more energetic and can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues.
• Ozone Hole
  • A region of significantly reduced ozone concentration, primarily observed over Antarctica during the Southern Hemisphere's spring.
  • The ozone hole results from complex chemical reactions involving CFCs and other ODS, facilitated by the unique meteorological conditions of the polar stratosphere.