In which of the following atmospheric layers ozone gas is concentrated?
Stratosphere
Atmospheric Layers: Ozone Gas Concentration Explained
The question asks to identify the specific layer within Earth's atmosphere where the majority of ozone gas (O3) is found concentrated. Understanding the different layers of the atmosphere and their composition is key to answering this question correctly.
Earth's Atmospheric Layers
Our atmosphere is divided into several layers, each with distinct characteristics:
- Troposphere: This is the lowest layer, extending from the surface up to about 7-15 km. It's where we live, and where most weather phenomena occur. The temperature generally decreases with altitude in this layer. Ozone concentration here is relatively low and considered a pollutant at ground level.
- Stratosphere: Located above the troposphere, extending from about 15 km to 50 km. Temperatures in this layer increase with altitude due to the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by ozone.
- Mesosphere: Situated above the stratosphere, extending to about 85 km. Temperatures decrease with altitude in this layer, reaching the coldest temperatures in the atmosphere.
- Ionosphere: This is not a distinct layer in the same way as the others but rather a region of the upper atmosphere (overlapping the mesosphere and thermosphere) characterized by ionized gases. It plays a role in radio communication but is not the primary location for ozone concentration.
Ozone Concentration in the Stratosphere
The Stratosphere is famously known as the 'ozone layer' because it contains the highest concentration of ozone gas (O3) compared to other atmospheric layers. This ozone is crucial for life on Earth as it absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation (specifically UV-B and UV-C).
The process involves:
- Ozone (O3) is continuously created and destroyed in the stratosphere.
- Solar UV radiation splits oxygen molecules (O2) into single oxygen atoms (O).
- These single atoms then combine with other oxygen molecules (O2) to form ozone (O3).
- Ozone molecules (O3) absorb UV radiation, which breaks them back down into O2 and O, releasing heat and preventing most harmful UV from reaching the surface.
Therefore, the concentration of ozone gas is highest in the Stratosphere.
Important Questions from Climatology
Ozone layer depletion is a major phenomenon in :
Starting from Earth's surface, the right sequence is-
I. Stratosphere
II. Troposphere
III. Ionosphere
IV. Mesosphere
By which layer of the atmosphere the ultra-violet rays are absorbed ?
______ is the uppermost layer of the atmosphere.
Which of the following is correct about insolation?
I. It influences the distribution of temperature.
II. It increases from the equator towards the poles.
