ozone depletion

1. Ozone depletion and its effect science model
Abstract:
Ozone depletion describes two distinct but related phenomena observed since the late
1970s: a steady decline of about four percent in the total amount
of ozone in Earth's stratosphere and a much larger springtime decrease in stratospheric
ozone around Earth's polar regions.[1] The latter phenomenon is referred to as the ozone
hole.
The ozone layer is our warrior against the mighty Sun that is bombarding earth with harmful
UV radiation and we are trying our best to protect it. Ozone is basically a gas also referred to
as O3 which is formed and reformed constantly in our Earth’s atmosphere. If it were not for
the ozone layer, our Earth would be barren with slight traces of life. You can find maps of
the ozone layer and compare different regions of the globe for ozone coverage. Where are
the problem areas? Is there a difference in ozone coverage between different hemispheres?
Between populated and un-populated areas? In atmospheric regions over land masses or
over bodies of water? Some scientists think that aerosols in the air are breaking down the
ozone layer. You can do an experiment to find out which products contain these harmful
chemicals by researching the ingredients in different products. There are also potential links
to methane produced by agriculture, burning of coal and wood, auto emissions, etc. (NCAR,
2006; NOAA, 2006; WMO, 2006)
CFCs and other contributory substances are referred to as ozone-depleting
substances (ODS). Since the ozone layer prevents most harmful UVB wavelengths (280–
315 nm) of ultraviolet light (UV light) from passing through the Earth's atmosphere,
observed and projected decreases in ozone generated worldwide concern, leading to
adoption of the Montreal Protocol that bans the production of CFCs,
Here are five ways in which we can contribute to protecting the ozone layer and our
precious Earth:
1. Limit private vehicle driving
vehicular emissions eventually result in smog which is a culprit in the deterioration of the
ozone layer. Car pooling, taking public transport, walking, using a bicycle would limit the
usage of individual transportation. It would be a great option to switch to cars/vehicles that
have a hybrid or electric zero-emission engine.
2. Use eco-friendly household cleaning products
Usage of eco-friendly and natural cleaning products for household chores is a great way to
prevent ozone depletion. cleaning agents contain toxic chemicals that interfere with the
ozone layer.
3. Avoid using pesticides
Pesticides may be an easy solution for getting rid of weed, but are harmful for the ozone
layer. The best solution for this would be to try using natural remedies, rather than heading
out for pesticides. You can perhaps try to weed manually or mow your garden consistently
so as to avoid weed-growth.
4. Developing stringent regulations for rocket launches

2. rocket fuel damage the ozone layer if it is not regulated soon. A study shows that the harm
caused by rocket launches would outpace the harm caused due to CFCs. All types of rocket
engines result in combustion by products that are ozone-destroying compounds that are
expelled directly in the middle and upper stratosphere layer – near the ozone layer.
5. Banning the use of dangerous nitrous oxide
Nations around the globe got together and formed the Montreal Protocol in the year 1989
with a strong aim to stop the usage of CFCs. However, the protocol did not include nitrous
oxide which is the most fatal chemical that can destroy the ozone layer and is still in use.
We have designed an environmental model that demonstrates the effect of CFC chemicals
on ozone depletion and also demonstrates its effects on earth’s environment through a
working model.