In the stratosphere, ozone is created primarily by ultraviolet radiation. When high-energy ultraviolet rays strike ordinary oxygen molecules (O2), they split the molecule into two single oxygen atoms, known as atomic oxygen. A freed oxygen atom then combines with another oxygen molecule to form a molecule of ozone. There is so much oxygen in our atmosphere, that these high-energy ultraviolet rays are completely absorbed in the stratosphere.
| Date Of Record Release | 2010-07-16 18:25:28 |
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| Description | In the stratosphere, ozone is created primarily by ultraviolet radiation. When high-energy ultraviolet rays strike ordinary oxygen molecules (O2), they split the molecule into two single oxygen atoms, known as atomic oxygen. A freed oxygen atom then combines with another oxygen molecule to form a molecule of ozone. There is so much oxygen in our atmosphere, that these high-energy ultraviolet rays are completely absorbed in the stratosphere. |
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| Source | University of North Texas |
| Keyword | Atmospheric composition, Air pollution, Ozone, Ozone oxygen cycle |
| Selector | Selection Committee |
| Date Of Record Creation | 2010-07-16 18:19:17 |
| Education Level | |
| Date Last Modified | 2010-07-16 18:25:28 |
| Creator | NASA Earth Observatory |
| Language | English |
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