Ozone Holes: Born by Stratospheric Air Flows

Valentin B. KASHKIN, Rem G. KHLEBOPROS

Оzone is a specific triatomic form of oxygen making about one part in three million of all Earth’s atmospheric gases. But even though it occurs in such small quantities, ozone plays an exceptionally fundamental part in the life on the Earth: It cuts off the short wavelength portion of the solar spectrum, or the ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which destroys proteins and nucleic acids. Furthermore, ozone is an important climate agent responsible for short-term and local weather variations.

Ozone destruction can be sped up by substances that react catalytically. The catalysts can be either natural oxides inherent to the atmosphere or those added as a result of natural hazards like volcanic eruptions. Besides the natural substances, ozone destruction can be catalyzed by industrially manufactured chemicals that reduce the screening capacity of the ozone layer. This fact was discovered in the second half of the 20th century and alarmed both scientists and the broad public. The public opinion on the ozone problem became stirred up especially after the discovery of the so-called ozone hole over Antarctica.

More information on these and other subjects you can find in the printed version of our journal.