The ozone layer or ozone shield is a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. It contains a high concentration of ozone (O 3 ) in relation to other parts of the atmosphere, although still small in relation to other gases in the stratosphere.

Mar 13, 2023 · The stratosphere includes the zone commonly called the ‘ozone layer’. It plays a crucial role in keeping the planet habitable by absorbing potentially dangerous ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation from the sun. Before its depletion, the ozone layer typically absorbed 97 to 99% of incoming UV-B radiation.

4 days ago · View the latest status of the ozone layer over the Antarctic, with a focus on the ozone hole. Satellite instruments monitor the ozone layer, and we use their data to create the images that depict the amount of ozone.

Feb 27, 2025 · ozone layer, region of the upper atmosphere, between roughly 15 and 35 km (9 and 22 miles) above Earth’s surface, containing relatively high concentrations of ozone molecules (O 3).

Oct 19, 2023 · The ozone layer is one layer of the stratosphere, the second layer of Earth’s atmosphere. The stratosphere is the mass of protective gases clinging to our planet. The stratosphere gets its name because it is stratified, or layered: as elevation increases, the stratosphere gets warmer.

Mar 5, 2025 · Learn about the ozone layer and how human activities deplete it. This page provides information on the chemical processes that lead to ozone layer depletion, and scientists' efforts to understand them.

Jan 14, 2023 · The ozone layer has been damaged over many years, in part due to chemicals called CFCs. It stands for chlorofluorocarbons, which are made up of chlorine, fluorine and carbon atoms.

Jan 10, 2023 · What is the ozone layer, and why does it matter? Human activity has damaged this protective layer of the stratosphere, but scientists say the ozone layer is on track for recovery.

Sep 16, 2024 · New evidence in the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) annual Ozone and UV Bulletin published on Monday reveals strong evidence that the ozone layer is well on track for a long-term...

Mar 5, 2025 · Roots of ozone recovery. Within the Earth’s stratosphere, ozone is a naturally occurring gas that acts as a sort of sunscreen, protecting the planet from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. In 1985, scientists discovered a “hole” in the ozone layer over Antarctica that opened up during the austral spring, between September and ...