ozone layer

noun
1.
Meteorology. the layer of the upper atmosphere where most atmospheric ozone is concentrated, from about 8 to 30 miles (12 to 48 km) above the earth, with the maximum ozone concentration occurring at an altitude of about 12 miles (19 km).
Also called ozonosphere
[oh-zoh-nuh-sfeer] /oʊˈzoʊ nəˌsfɪər/ (Show IPA).
Examples from the web for ozone layer
  • Their story takes in nuclear winter, missile defence, acid rain and the ozone layer.
  • He supported research into saving the ozone layer and was interested in communication with other possible worlds.
  • For one thing, the crucial evidence about the thinning of the ozone layer actually came from a satellite.
  • Cows alone contribute more damage to the ozone layer than automobiles.
  • Such depletion is undesirable because the ozone layer blocks ultraviolet radiation.
  • The crystal ball's as cracked and clouded as the ozone layer.
  • Without the ozone layer people are vulnerable to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, which damage the skin.
  • The stratosphere's ozone layer is uneven, and thinner near the poles.
  • It seems there's finally some good news for the ozone layer.
  • High-energy radiation from deep space may be burning a hole in our ozone layer.
British Dictionary definitions for ozone layer

ozone layer

noun
1.
the region of the stratosphere with the highest concentration of ozone molecules, which by absorbing high-energy solar ultraviolet radiation protects organisms on earth Also called ozonosphere
ozone layer in Science
ozone layer  
A region of the upper atmosphere containing relatively high levels of ozone, located mostly within the stratosphere, with the greatest concentrations occurring from about 15 to 30 km (10 to 19 mi) above the Earth's surface. The ozone absorbs large amounts of solar ultraviolet radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface. The concentration of ozone in the ozone layer is usually under 10 parts per million. Also called ozonosphere. See Note at ozone.
ozone layer in Culture

ozone layer definition


A band of ozone in the upper atmosphere. Ozone is a molecule made of three atoms of oxygen instead of the usual two.

Note: The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun and is thus very important to the health of human beings and other life forms on Earth. The Earth's ozone layer could be at risk because of the action of chlorofluorocarbons, but international treaties have banned the production of these chemicals. The ozone layer is expected to return to normal in a few decades. (See ozone hole.)