Ozone hole problem

In experiment C5.3.2.2, the absorption of UV-C radiation by ozone is demonstrated. The ozone layer in the stratosphere (at a height of 15 to 50 km) is vitally important to life on Earth. Without its protective effect, strong short-wave UV radiation would make life outside of water impossible. The ozone layer acts as a filter for radiation from 220 to 310 nm. As a result it completely absorbs UV-C radiation (220 nm to 280 nm) and absorbs most of the UV-B radiation (280 nm to 320 nm).

For that reason, a reduction in the ozone concentration (ozone depletion, „ozone hole“) is increasing the intensity of biologically effective UV-B radiation. This can damage plants, thereby reducing harvest yields. Phytoplankton (types of algae at shallow ocean depths) are also affected – an important link in the food chain of the sea. Because it also absorbs a considerable quantity of carbon dioxide, it represents an integral part of the carbon cycle and plays a role in the greenhouse effect.
Ozone forms in the stratosphere by the effect of hard UV radiation on oxygen.