Environmental Hazard: Depletion of the Ozone Layer and its Effect – JSS3 Basic Science Lesson Note

Description-Atmosphere is the region of air above the earth’s surface. The principal layers of the atmosphere according to the temperature of hotness are the thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, and troposphere. The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere of the atmosphere where it forms a protective layer shielding life on earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. The stratosphere is about 19km to 48km above the earth’s surface.

 Causes of Reduction in Ozone Layer

There are many gases in the atmosphere such as carbon(iv)oxide, water vapour, ozone, and methane

When these gases combine with a chemical release from a refrigerator compressor called  Chlorofluorocarbon(CFC) causes a reduction in the ozone layer of the atmosphere.

Importance of the ozone layer

-It brings about a cooling effect to the atmosphere and the earth’s surface

-It absorbs high-energy radiation from the sun such as ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn to the skin.

Effects of the Depletion of Ozone Layer

-It does damage to human health when the depletion exposes the human body to ultraviolet light which causes diseases such as skin cancer, cataracts, sunburn weakening of the immune system, and quick aging.

-It causes retardation in plant growth and development.

-It also poses a threat to marine life

-Depletion of the ozone layer causes a decrease in the ozone layer in the stratosphere which makes more ozone present in the lower atmosphere whose effect results in greenhouse gases. It leads to global warming which in turn leads to the melting of polar ice leading to rising sea levels and climatic changes around the world.

Control of ozone Depletion

-Desisting from using pesticides

-Reducing the number of vehicles on the road

-By utilizing environmentally friendly cleaning product

-By prohibiting the use of nitrous

-By reducing bush and household burning habits.

 ASSIGNMENT

1. Where is the ozone layer located in the atmosphere?  A. earth surface  B.stratosphere  C.mesophere  D. lithosphere
2. Which of the following is not a consequence of the depletion of the ozone layer?  A. global warming  B.greenhouse effect  C.ice melting and flooding  D.formation of cloud
3. Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?  A Chlorine  B. Water vapour  C.  Oxygen  D. Sulphur
4. Which of the following is not an importance of the ozone layer?  A  It purifies the atmosphere of CO2  B. It releases heat to the earth’s surface  C. It absorbs high energy radiation from the sun D. It absorbs water vapour from the earth’s crust.
5. Which of the following is not a control measure against the depletion of the ozone layer?  A. controlling the use of chlorofluorocarbons constant bush burning regular servicing of automobiles reducing the rate of bush burning

7.The stratosphere is located about………. Above the earth surface   A.32km-40km   B.19km-48km   C.16km-18km  D.6km-12km

8a.State the location of the ozone layer in the atmosphere

b.State three importance of the ozone layer

c.Write three effects or hazards caused by the depletion of the ozone layer on the environment.