Do greenhouse gases make holes in the ozone layer?

Answer 1

There is no connection between the two issues. The thinning of the ozone layer that we see over each pole during their winters is an event caused by CFCs and other halogen gases releasing chlorine and bromine, as well as a lack of sun hitting that layer. Once the daylight returns, the hole gradually fills up.

Answer 2

The main greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane (and water vapour) have no effect on the ozone layer. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are also greenhouse gases, however, and they do affect the ozone layer.

More details below.

The definition of a greenhouse gas is a gas which contributes to the greenhouse effect. This is a natural process whereby gasses such as carbon dioxide and water vapour trap the sun's rays in the Earth's atmosphere.

This occurs because initially, the sun's rays are very short waves of light and heat. These do not reflect off greenhouse gases. After warming the Earth's surface, the waves lengthen and are trapped by greenhouse gases.

The ozone layer is constantly being depleted and regenerated by natural means. Ozone is O3 (three oxygen molecules), and when struck by UV light is is decomposed into plain oxygen, and the UV light is prevented from striking the Earth's surface. Conversely, ozone is constantly being made by UV light hitting oxygen molecules; this process keeps the amount of ozone fairly constant.

Human intervention with the release of gases such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which bind themselves to ozone and create oxygen have tipped the balance, causing the holes in the Ozone layer. CFCs are the only greenhouse gasses that affect the ozone layer.

It is important to realise that these are largely two unrelated concepts. Ozone prevents the majority of UV rays hitting the Earth, protecting living things. Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere, sustaining conditions conducive to life at night time when there is no sun (contrast this to Mars where temp reaches less than -180 degrees Celsius).

Again, it is important to realise the distinction between the greenhouse effect and global warming. The Greenhouse Effect is the natural process, whereas Global warming describes how changes to the composition of the atmosphere by humans will intensify this natural process, causing a warming of mean temperatures.

Answer 3

No, chlorine from CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) destroy the ozone.

Answer 4

No, it does not. The ozone layer is a greenhouse gas its self and so cant be damaged by greenhouse gases

Answer 5

Greenhouse gases destroy ozone layer. They form a layer in lower atmosphere which does not let heat escape and cool the ozone layer destroying it.

Answer 6

They react with ozone. They cause depletion of ozone molecules.

Answer 7

Yes they do indirectly. They cause global warming, which causes it.

Answer 8

The greenhouse gases trap the heat. The ozone layer becomes cold and thus depletion increases.