What causes the hole in the ozone layer and what are the dangers of it?

Answer 1

Causes of the ozone holeOzone is a protective layer in the upper atmosphere. It is formed, when oxygen molecules absorb short wavelength ultra violet radiations from the sun. Ozone is mostly destroyed by free radicals in the atmosphere.

When compounds like CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and other halocarbons are released, they are dissociated by sunlight into chloride radicals. These radicals attack ozone, thereby decreasing its concentration. This results in a thinning of the ozone layer, and in polar regions, a hole.

The holes occur at the poles, and usually in Antarctica because of the extreme cold. During the winter polar stratospheric clouds form which are able to convert gases in the atmosphere into Cl (chlorine) and ClO (chlorine monoxide). When the sun arrives at the end of winter, that is the trigger to begin. This is why the hole is largest in spring.

Dangers of the ozone holeOzone protects us from the dangerous Ultraviolet radiation from the sun (UVB). This UVB causes skin cancers and cataracts in humans, and damage to some crops, including rice.

Answer 2

The hole in the ozone layer is primarily caused by the release of human-made chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. These chemicals break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, leading to the thinning of the ozone layer. The main danger of a depleted ozone layer is increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which can result in higher rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and harm to marine life.