OZONE HOLE Meaning and
Definition
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The ozone hole refers to a region of significantly depleted ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere, particularly above the polar regions. The ozone layer is a protective shield situated in the stratosphere, approximately 10 to 50 kilometers above the surface of the Earth. It contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules, which act as a natural filter for harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation emitted by the Sun.
The phenomenon of the ozone hole was discovered in the 1980s due to the presence of a significant thinning of the ozone layer above Antarctica during the spring season. This thinning is primarily induced by the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and certain other halogenated compounds into the atmosphere by human activities, such as the use of aerosol propellants and refrigerants. These chemicals are broken down by sunlight in the stratosphere, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms that catalytically destroy ozone molecules.
The depletion of the ozone layer has serious consequences as it allows more UV-B radiation to reach the Earth's surface. Increased exposure to this radiation poses various risks to human health, including skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune system. It also affects ecosystems and can harm phytoplankton, marine organisms, and terrestrial plants.
Addressing the ozone hole has been an international effort, resulting in the adoption of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which mandated the phasing out of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances. The ozone hole, while still changing in size and depth, has shown evidence of recovery since the implementation of this agreement.
Common Misspellings for OZONE HOLE
- izone hole
- kzone hole
- lzone hole
- pzone hole
- 0zone hole
- 9zone hole
- oxone hole
- osone hole
- oaone hole
- ozine hole
- ozkne hole
- ozlne hole
- ozpne hole
- oz0ne hole
- oz9ne hole
- ozobe hole
- ozome hole
- ozoje hole
- ozohe hole
Etymology of OZONE HOLE
The etymology of the word "ozone hole" contains two main components: ozone and hole.
The term "ozone" originates from the Greek word "ozein", meaning "to smell". This is because ozone has a distinctive smell, often described as pungent and slightly sweet. "Ozone" was coined in 1840 by German chemist Christian Friedrich Schönbein, who discovered the gas.
The word "hole" has Old English roots, deriving from the Proto-Germanic word "hulaz". It has been used to refer to an opening or empty space since ancient times.
When combined, "ozone hole" refers to the phenomenon discovered in the mid-1980s where a significant decline in the stratospheric ozone layer was observed over Antarctica.
Similar spelling word for OZONE HOLE
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