IndexCauses of ozone depletionEffects of ozone depletionSolutions to ozone depletionOzone depletion is the destruction of the ozone gas of the upper atmospheric layer (stratosphere), caused by substances formed from the degradation of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The ozone layer plays a vital role in absorbing ultraviolet radiation that is dangerous to living things on Earth. Only in 1974 was it discovered that chlorine was the catalyst that accelerated ozone depletion. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Causes of Ozone DepletionNatural Causes of Ozone Depletion: Stratospheric CloudsThe ozone hole over Antarctica is formed by a series of atmospheric conditions unique to the continent that combine to create an ideal environment for the destruction of 'ozone. Winds over the Antarctic continent blow in a single clockwise direction creating a so-called "polar vortex" that causes the air over Antarctica not to mix with the air in the rest of Earth's atmosphere. Antarctica's freezing temperatures (down to -110 F) cause the formation of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) that are a mixture of frozen H2O and HNO3. Due to their extremely cold temperatures, PSCs form an electrostatic attraction with molecules of CFCs and other halogenated compounds. In the Antarctic summer, when temperatures rise, high-energy photons are able to photolyse halogenated compounds, releasing halogenated radicals which then catalytically destroy O3. Since Antarctica is constantly surrounded by a polar vortex, radical halogens cannot be diluted across the globe. As a result of this process the ozone hole develops. In March 2006, winds blowing high above the Arctic allowed near-record amounts of ozone-depleting gases, known collectively as nitrogen oxides, or NOx, to flow about 50 km from the mesosphere to the top of the Earth's stratosphere. NOx is a generic term for a group of highly reactive gases, all of which contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying quantities, particularly nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NOx destroys ozone, warming the stratosphere by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, strong winds bring more nitrogen oxides into the stratosphere. Man-made causes of ozone depletion: ozone depleting substances (ODS) The main cause of ozone depletion is caused by the excessive release of chlorine and bromine from man-made substances. compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), halons, CH3CCl3 (methylchloroform), CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride), HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), HBFCs (hydrobromofluorocarbons) and CH3Br (methyl bromide) have been found to have a direct impact on ozone depletion . layer. These are classified as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Ozone depleting substances have been proven to be environmentally friendly, very stable and non-toxic in the atmosphere below. Therefore, they have gained popularity over the years. However, their stability allows them to float and remain static in the stratosphere. When up there, ODS is easily broken down by strong UV light and the resulting chemical is chlorine and bromine. Chlorine and bromine are known to deplete the ozone layer at supersonic speeds. One chlorine molecule has the ability to break down thousands of ozone molecules. Effects of ozone depletion Harm to human health Overexposure to strong UVB light causes non-melanoma skin cancer, cataracts, sunburn,..