Module 1 : Atmospheric Composition and Principles of Contaminant Behavior

Lecture 5 : Ozone Layer Depletion

 

Ozone destruction by UV rays

  • UV radiation from the sun releases the radicals Cl and ClO .
  • Ozone is a highly unstable molecule so it readily donates its extra oxygen molecule to free radical species such as hydrogen, bromine, and chlorine.
  • These compound species act as catalysts in the breakdown of ozone molecules.

The ozone depletion process

Responsibility for ozone damage each year

Global CFC production