What is Ozone Matter?
Ozone (O₃) is a gas molecule made up of three oxygen atoms.
It's interesting because depending on where it's found in the atmosphere, it can have opposite effects on Earth.
The "Good" Ozone: The Stratospheric Ozone Layer
High up in the atmosphere, from about 6 to 30 miles above Earth's surface, lies the stratospheric ozone layer.
This ozone layer is "good" because it absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
This protection shields us and other living things from the damaging effects of UV rays, like sunburn and even skin cancer.
The "Bad" Ozone: Ground-Level Ozone
Closer to the ground, in the troposphere (the lowest level of the atmosphere), ozone acts as a pollutant.
This ground-level ozone is the "bad" kind.
It's formed by chemical reactions between sunlight and pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
This type of ozone irritates the lungs and can trigger respiratory problems, especially for people with asthma.
What does stronger UV radiation do to ecosystem?
One of the main biological impacts of UV exposure on aquatic ecosystems is a reduction in the rate of photosynthesis.
This can have a direct effect on primary productivity and, since different species may vary in their sensitivity to UV exposure, may eventually affect biodiversity.
Harm to organisms: UV-B radiation directly damages DNA and other cellular components in living things.
This can lead to reduced growth, weakened immune systems, and even death for some organisms.
Impact on food chain: Phytoplankton, the base of many aquatic food chains, can be particularly susceptible to UV-B radiation.
If phytoplankton populations decline, this disrupts the entire food chain, impacting fish and other organisms that depend on them.
Changes in species composition: Some species are more tolerant of UV-B radiation than others.
As UV radiation strengthens, some species may struggle or disappear, while UV-tolerant species may become more abundant.
This can lead to a shift in the overall makeup of the ecosystem .
Reduced biodiversity: The loss of some species due to UV-B can lead to a decline in overall biodiversity within the ecosystem.
This can have cascading effects on the health and functioning of the ecosystem.
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