Ozone (O3)- combination of three oxygen atoms which filters ultraviolet radiation.
Ozone layer formed from oxygen producing bacteria about 450 million years ago.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)- human-made chemical compounds that are restricted in use
because the destroy ozone.
Why ozone depletes the most over cold areas:
1) In winter, steady winds blow over the poles in circular patterns called polar vortices
polar vortices- huge swirling masses of bitter cold air that are trapped above the poles for
months until the sun returns
2) CFCs and other ozone depleting chemicals collect on ice crystals in these air masses.
3) When the sunlight returns in spring, it reacts with CFCs, releasing a chlorine atom
which then goes on and destroys ozone molecules.
4) Chlorine atoms continue destroying ozone for months until the summertime when
temperatures warm up and polar vortices break up.
Effects of ozone depletion:
1) worse sunburns
2) earlier wrinkles
3) cataracts
4) skin cancer
5) suppression of immune system against diseases
6) lower yields in crops such as corn and rice
7) disruption of ocean food chain because UV kills phytoplankton near the surface.
8) degradation of points and plastics