Ozone layer in the atmosphere shields the surface of the Earth from which radiation from the Sun?

Option 1 : Ultraviolet (UV) light

The correct answer is Ultraviolet (UV) light.

• Ozone layer
  • It is a layer of ozone molecules found in the stratosphere (the second layer of the atmosphere).
  • Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms, often referenced as O3.
  • The ozone layer is typically thicker over the poles than over the equator.
  • The ozone layer exists in the stratosphere, a layer 10 to 50 km above the Earth’s surface.
  • The presence of ozone in the stratosphere prevents about 99.5 percent of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiations from reaching the earth’s surface.
  • Thus, protecting humans and other animals from its effect.
• Harmful effects of UV Radiations
  • They lead to aging of the skin, cataracts, sunburn, skin cancer, the killing of many phytoplanktons, damage to fish productivity, etc.
  • It has also been reported that plant proteins get easily affected by UV radiation which leads to the harmful mutation of cells.
  • It also increases the evaporation of surface water through the stomata of the leaves and decreases the moisture content of the soil.
• Ozone Layer Depletion
  • The reasons for ozone depletion are a wide range of industrial and consumer applications, mainly refrigerators, air conditioners (hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)), and fire extinguishers.
  • Ozone depletion is greatest at the South Pole (Antarctica).
  • This severe depletion creates the so-called “ozone hole”.
  • The Negative Effects of the ozone hole are certain types of skin cancers, eye cataracts, and immune deficiency disorders.
  • The international community established the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances in 1987, to address the destruction of the ozone layer.

• Ultraviolet Light
  • UV light from the sun has shorter wavelengths than visible light so it is not visible to the naked eye.
  • UV radiation’s full spectrum is sourced from the sun 
  • It can be classified into UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C rays according to their wavelength
• Classification of UV rays