All Flashcards
What is the Montreal Protocol?
An international treaty designed to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs.
What is the goal of the Montreal Protocol?
To protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.
What is the effect of ozone depletion?
Increased UV radiation reaches Earth, causing skin cancer and ecosystem damage.
What is the cause of ozone depletion?
The release of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.
What are the effects of increased UV radiation?
Increased skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to ecosystems.
What is the effect of CFCs on ozone molecules?
One CFC molecule can destroy thousands of ozone molecules.
What is the role of the ozone layer?
Absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, protecting life on Earth.
Why are CFCs harmful to the ozone layer?
CFCs release chlorine atoms that catalyze the destruction of ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
Explain the natural ozone cycle.
Ozone molecules are constantly split by UV radiation into O + O2, and then reformed back into O3.
What is the significance of atmospheric layers?
Understanding the layers helps explain weather patterns and where different pollutants concentrate.
Why were CFCs so widely used?
They were stable, non-toxic, and effective as refrigerants and propellants.
How does ozone depletion affect ecosystems?
Increased UV radiation can damage plant life and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.