Explain depletion of ozone layer and its effects.

Ozone depletion is the gradual decrease in the amount of ozone in the atmosphere especially in the ozone layer of the atmosphere. This depletion is caused when some substances like methane, CFC are released and they react with ozone causing it to deplete. The rate of this depletion has been alarming in the last few decades and has resulted in an ozone hole over the Earth's surface.
Ozone depletion allows UV radiations to reach the surface of the Earth. This exposes or makes the Earth and its organisms more prone to the negative effects of UV radiation. For example skin cancer, deformities, plant discoloration etc. It also contributes in warming of the Earth's surface.

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Ozone depletion occurs when the natural balance between the production and destruction of ozone in the stratosphere is tipped in favour of destruction.

Chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform are important human-produced ozone-depleting gases that have been used in many applications.

Stratospheric ozone depletion leads to an increase inUV-B that reach the earth's surface, where it can disrupt biological processes and damage a number of materials.

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