The process of the occurrence of the ozone hole is not in a short time. In 2020, scientists reported that a huge hole had mysteriously opened in the ozone layer.
Scientists discovered an ozone hole above the North Pole. They also claim that the formation of holes in the ozone layer is not an ordinary natural phenomenon, but is the result of ozone’s reaction with other compounds.
The formation of a hole in the ozone layer is a real impact that occurs because: global warming.
How does the ozone hole occur in the atmosphere?
Ozone is a layer of air that atmosphere at an altitude of 20-35 km above the earth’s surface. The ozone layer contains ozone molecules with concentrations up to 10 ppm.
The ozone layer is formed due to the influence of ultraviolet light interacting with oxygen in the atmosphere. The existence of this layer is very important for life on Earth.
Scientists who have conducted various studies and research on ozone state that this layer of the atmosphere functions as a protector from UV radiation.
With the ozone layer, life and ecosystems of living things on earth can run well. However, the function of the ozone layer will not be optimal if the layer continues to thin.
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Regarding the process of this happening, in the spring of 2020, scientists discovered a hole that is thought to be in the ozone layer just above the North Pole.
Scientists found the hole through satellite data and immediately conducted research on the hole.
As a result of the record rise in surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean, causing the formation of an ozone hole in the Arctic.
Consequences of Global Warming
The process of the occurrence of the ozone hole is caused by extreme temperature changes on earth. The presence of gases or compounds that enter the ozone layer is also the cause of the hole there.
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The gas that has the greatest impact on ozone depletion is CFCs. CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons are organic compounds in which fluorine, chlorine and carbon are present.
CFC gas is also a volatile derivative of propane, methane, ethane, and is known under the DuPont Freon brand.
CFCs are usually used for refrigerants such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and fire-fighting active ingredients.
If there is an excess of CFC gas, it will rise freely into the atmosphere until it reaches the stratosphere where ozone is located. The process of the occurrence of the ozone hole began to be seen.
After penetrating the ozone layer, the gas will react very quickly when it encounters compounds in ozone.
This is because most CFCs are made up of chlorine. The reaction between chlorine from CFCs and oxygen from ozone causes global warming.
Global warming or global warming can cause the ozone layer to continue to thin resulting in ozone holes.
Impact of the Ozone Hole on Life on Earth
The process of the occurrence of the ozone hole has an impact on life on Earth. As already explained, ozone has a function to protect the earth from direct UV radiation.
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If there is a hole in the ozone, then there is no strong barrier against UV radiation and that is very dangerous.
- Increase Infectious Diseases
The holes that occur in the ozone can cause an increase in disease in humans on Earth. For example, when the air temperature increases, the mosquito population will increase.
These mosquitoes can be a source of diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and others.
- Volatile temperature
The absence of a layer that blocks the sun’s rays causes the temperature on Earth to be erratic. The temperature will rise and fall in an extreme way.
This is certainly very influential in the cycle of seasons so that it has an impact on ecosystems on Earth.
- The emergence of a heat wave
In addition to the erratic temperature, the process of the occurrence of the ozone hole can cause an increase in temperature on Earth. This increase in temperature causes a heat wave.
When an area experiences a heat wave, the temperature in that area will increase significantly.
Heat waves that occur can cause attacks of hyperthermia and are very dangerous for vulnerable populations such as the elderly. The impact of the ozone hole is terrible for life on Earth.
However, the process of the occurrence of the ozone hole can also be prevented by re-greening or reforestation so that gases that can interfere with ozone compounds will be neutralized and do not penetrate the atmosphere. (R10/HR-Online/Editor-Ndu)
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