ozone layer

[ oh-zohn ley-er ]

noun

1. Meteorology. the layer of the upper atmosphere where most atmospheric ozone is concentrated, from about 8 to 30 miles (12 to 48 km) above the earth, with the maximum ozone concentration occurring at an altitude of about 12 miles (19 km).

ozone layer

noun

1. the region of the stratosphere with the highest concentration of ozone molecules, which by absorbing high-energy solar ultraviolet radiation protects organisms on earth Also calledozonosphere

ozone layer

1. A region of the atmosphere, lying mostly in the stratosphere, containing relatively high levels of ozone, with the greatest concentrations occurring from about 15 to 30 km (10 to 19 mi) above the Earth's surface. The ozone absorbs large amounts of solar ultraviolet radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface. The concentration of ozone in the ozone layer is usually under 10 parts per million.
2. Also called ozonosphere
3. See Note at ozone

ozone layer

1. A band of ozone in the upper atmosphere . Ozone is a molecule made of three atoms of oxygen instead of the usual two.

Notes

The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun and is thus very important to the health of human beings and other life forms on Earth . The Earth's ozone layer could be at risk because of the action of chlorofluorocarbons , but international treaties have banned the production of these chemicals. The ozone layer is expected to return to normal in a few decades. ( See ozone hole .)

Example Sentences

What impact these particles have on atmosphere, weather patterns and the ozone layer is still unclear.

From Science News

Better known as CFCs, these chemicals can destroy the protective ozone layer, thinning it greatly.

From Science News For Students

It might be hard to imagine now, but in the 1980s the world came together to face down an emissions threat — a “hole” in the ozone layer over Antarctica — and ban the use of aerosols called CFCs that scientists said had caused the problem.

From Ozy

At the same time foul-drawing fell back to earth, shooting accuracy shot through the ozone layer.

From FiveThirtyEight

They worry that too much smoke could damage the ozone layer, which protects Earth from the sun’s harmful radiation.

From Science News For Students

Heretics, they'd be burned at the stake if that were not such a bad thing for the ozone layer.

From The Daily Beast