Ozone is an unstable gas whose molecule consists of three oxygen atoms. It is present in a relatively small amount in the stratosphere, but sufficient to significantly reduce the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the Earth’s surface. Depletion of the ozone layer increases the risk of developing skin cancer and cataracts and weakens the immune system in humans. It also negatively affects agriculture and ecosystems.

Opening details

Qing-Bing Lu, a Canadian researcher at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, says the ozone hole discovered in the tropics is seven times larger than a similar phenomenon in Antarctica. This is a cause for serious global concern, as the tropics make up about half of the planet’s surface area and are home to about half of the world’s population.

• According to the study, the problem zone in the lower stratosphere above the tropics contains 25 percent less ozone compared to normal levels. And right in the center the situation is even worse – the ozone is 80% less than normal.
• The depth of the hole is comparable to Antarctica.
• Her not seasonal in nature, present all year roundsays the researcher, who draws conclusions based on satellite data.
• A press release from the American Institute of Physics notes that the discovery of a new ozone hole came as a surprise to Lu’s colleagues.

A Canadian scientist developed his own model and called it the “Electron Reaction Triggered by Cosmic Rays”. Lu proves this in a series of studies. The main factor that reduces ozone levels is galactic radiation.Its effect on the earth is inversely proportional to the sun. High-energy particles from deep space trigger reactions in halogen-containing molecules in the coldest (lower) layers of the stratosphere, leading to large-scale emissions of matter that deplete the ozone layer.