Question

Protective layer of ozone in the atmosphere exists in which layer?

Answer 1

Hint: We know that the atmosphere can be defined as the group of layers of gases surrounding the planet. It has five layers called the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

Complete step-by-step answer:
The atmosphere is an envelope surrounding the earth which is divided into different layers. Based on temperature from the ground it is divided into the troposphere, which contains clouds, rain, and the snow that is our weather.

Above the troposphere is the stratosphere. Above it is the mesosphere, followed by the thermosphere, and exosphere. The temperature goes on the decrease as we move towards the exosphere. The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere. The stratosphere is found from $$10$$ to $$16$$ kilometers above the surface of Earth to $$50$$ kilometers altitude. Ozone is an $$O_3$$ molecule that absorbs high energy ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. This ultraviolet radiation increases the temperature in the ozone layer.

The temperature is highest at the summer pole and is lower over the winter pole. The thickness of the ozone layer varies throughout the globe. The ozone layer is very important for the survival of life on earth as it absorbs harmful UV radiation. However, there is an increasing environmental problem of depletion of the ozone layer that may lead to many genetic and immune disorders in humans and may also cause serious skin cancer or eye cataracts.

The ozone layer exists in the lower regions of the stratosphere. Its altitude and thickness may vary depending on the geographical area but it extends over the entire globe. The ozone has a protective role in the upper atmosphere where it prevents the intense UV rays from reaching the earth's surface.

Note: Remember that ten percent of the ozone layer is also present in the first layer of the atmosphere that is the troposphere, the layer between the stratosphere and the Earth’s surface (ground). This ozone layer helps in protecting life on the earth. There is one more layer called the ionosphere that is not considered as a separate layer but is the region from the mesosphere and thermosphere.