“We can, perhaps, say that the purpose of man is, as it were, to destroy his race, having first made the globe uninhabitable.”

J.B. Lamarck.

Since the formation of a highly industrialized society, dangerous human intervention in nature has sharply increased, it has become more diverse and threatens to become a global danger to humanity. A real threat of a global environmental crisis looms over the world, understood by the entire population of the planet. The real hope of preventing it lies in continuous environmental education and educating people.

It is possible to identify the main reasons leading to environmental disaster:

· pollution;

· poisoning of the environment;

· depletion of the atmosphere in oxygen;

· formation of ozone “holes”.

This message summarizes some literature data on the causes and consequences of the destruction of the ozone layer, as well as ways to solve the problem of the formation of “ozone holes”.

Chemical and biological characteristics of ozone

Ozone is allotropic modification oxygen. Character chemical bonds in ozone causes its instability (after a certain time, ozone spontaneously turns into oxygen: 2O 3 → 3O 2) and high oxidizing ability. The oxidative effect of ozone on organic substances is associated with the formation of radicals: RH + O 3 → RО 2. +OH.

These radicals initiate radical chain reactions with bioorganic molecules (lipids, proteins, nucleic acids), which leads to cell death. Application of ozone for sterilization drinking water based on its ability to kill germs. Ozone is also important for higher organisms. Prolonged exposure to ozone-containing environments (such as physical therapy and quartz irradiation rooms) can cause severe damage. nervous system. Therefore, ozone in large doses is a toxic gas. Maximum permissible concentration in the air working area– 0.1 mg/m3.

There is very little ozone, which smells so wonderful during a thunderstorm, in the atmosphere - 3-4 ppm (per mille) - (3-4) * 10 -4%. However, its presence is extremely important for the flora and fauna of the planet. After all, life that originated in the ocean depths was able to “crawl” onto land only after the ozone shield was formed 600–800 million years ago. By absorbing biologically active solar ultraviolet radiation, it ensured its safe level on the surface of the planet. Life on Earth is unthinkable without the ozone layer, which protects all living things from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. The disappearance of the ozonosphere would lead to unpredictable consequences - an outbreak of skin cancer, the destruction of plankton in the ocean, mutations of flora and fauna. Therefore, it is so important to understand the causes of the ozone “hole” over Antarctica and the decrease in ozone levels in the Northern Hemisphere.

Ozone is formed in the upper stratosphere (40-50 km) during photochemical reactions involving oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and chlorine. Atmospheric ozone is concentrated in two areas - the stratosphere (up to 90%) and the troposphere. As for the tropospheric ozone layer distributed at an altitude of 0 to 10 km, it is precisely due to uncontrolled industrial emissions that it is becoming more and more abundant. In the lower stratosphere (10-25 km), where ozone is most abundant, the main role in seasonal and longer-term changes in its concentration is played by air mass transfer processes.

The thickness of the ozone layer over Europe is decreasing at a rapid pace, which cannot but worry the minds of scientists. Over the past year, the thickness of the ozone “coat” has decreased by 30%, and the rate of deterioration of the natural protective shell has reached the highest point in the last 50 years. Determined that chemical reactions Ozone-depleting emissions occur on the surface of ice crystals and any other particles trapped in the high stratosphere above the polar regions. What danger does this pose to humans?

Thin ozone layer (2-3 mm when distributed around Globe) cannot prevent the penetration of short-wave ultraviolet rays, which cause skin cancer and are dangerous to plants. Therefore, today, due to the high activity of the sun, sunbathing has become less useful. In general, environmental centers should give recommendations to the population on how to act depending on the activity of the sun, but in our country there is no such center.

Associated with a decrease in the ozone layer climate change. It is clear that changes will occur not only in the area over which the ozone hole “stretches.” Chain reaction will entail changes in many deep processes of our planet. This does not mean that rapid global warming will begin everywhere, as they scare us in horror films. Still, this is too complex and time-consuming process. But other disasters may arise, for example, the number of typhoons, tornadoes, and hurricanes will increase.

It has been established that “holes” in the ozone layer appear over the Arctic and Antarctica. This is explained by the fact that acid clouds form at the poles, destroying the ozone layer. It turns out that ozone holes arise not from the activity of the sun, as is commonly believed, but from the daily activities of all the inhabitants of the planet, including you and me. Then the “acid gaps” shift, most often to Siberia.

Using a new mathematical model, it was possible to link together data from ground-based, satellite and aircraft observations with the levels of likely future emissions of ozone-depleting compounds into the atmosphere, the timing of their transport to Antarctica and weather in southern latitudes. Using the model, a forecast was obtained according to which the ozone layer over Antarctica will recover in 2068, and not in 2050, as was believed.

It is known that currently the level of ozone in the stratosphere over areas far from the poles is approximately 6% below normal. At the same time, in spring period Ozone levels over Antarctica may decrease by 70% relative to the annual average. The new model makes it possible to more accurately predict the levels of ozone-depleting gases over Antarctica and their temporal dynamics, which determine the size of the ozone “hole.”

The use of ozone depleting substances is limited by the Montreal Protocol. It was believed that this would lead to a rapid “tightening” of the ozone hole. However, new research has shown that in reality the rate of decline will only become noticeable in 2018.

History of ozone research

The first observations of ozone date back to 1840, but the ozone problem received rapid development in the 20s of the last century, when special ground stations appeared in England and Switzerland.

An additional way to study the connections between ozone transfer and atmospheric stratification has been opened by aircraft soundings of atmospheric ozone and releases of ozone probes. The new era is marked by the emergence of artificial Earth satellites that observe atmospheric ozone and provide a wealth of information.

In 1986, the Montreal Protocol was signed to limit the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances that deplete the ozone layer. To date, 189 countries have joined the Montreal Protocol. Time limits have been established for the cessation of production of other ozone-depleting substances. According to model forecasts, if the Protocol is observed, the level of chlorine in the atmosphere will decrease by 2050 to the level of 1980, which could lead to the disappearance of the Antarctic “ozone hole”.

Reasons for the formation of the “ozone hole”

In summer and spring, ozone concentrations increase. It is always higher over the polar regions than over the equatorial ones. In addition, it changes on an 11-year cycle, coinciding with the solar activity cycle. All this was already well known when in the 1980s. Observations have shown that over Antarctica there is a slow but steady decrease in stratospheric ozone concentrations from year to year. This phenomenon is called the "ozone hole" (although there is no hole in own meaning this word, of course, did not exist).

Later, in the 90s of the last century, the same decrease began to occur over the Arctic. The phenomenon of the Antarctic “ozone hole” is not yet clear: whether the “hole” arose as a result of anthropogenic pollution of the atmosphere, or whether it is a natural geoastrophysical process.

Among the versions of the formation of ozone holes are:

influence of particles emitted during atomic explosions;

· flights of rockets and high-altitude aircraft;

· reactions of certain substances produced by chemical plants with ozone. These are primarily chlorinated hydrocarbons and especially freons - chlorofluorocarbons, or hydrocarbons in which all or most of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine and chlorine atoms.

Chlorofluorocarbons are widely used in modern household and industrial refrigerators(that’s why they are called “freons”), in aerosol cans, as chemical cleaning agents, for extinguishing fires in transport, as foaming agents, for the synthesis of polymers. World production of these substances has reached almost 1.5 million tons/year.

Being highly volatile and quite resistant to chemical influences, chlorofluorocarbons enter the atmosphere after use and can remain in it for up to 75 years, reaching the height of the ozone layer. Here, under the influence of sunlight, they decompose, releasing atomic chlorine, which serves as the main “disturber of order” in the ozone layer.

The widespread use of fossil resources is accompanied by the release of large masses of various chemical compounds into the atmosphere. Most anthropogenic sources are concentrated in cities, occupying only a small part of the territory of our planet. As a result of the movement of air masses on the leeward side of large cities, a multi-kilometer plume of pollution is formed.

The sources of air pollution are:

1) Road transport. It can be assumed that the contribution of transport to air pollution will increase as the number of cars increases.

2) Industrial production. The basic products of basic organic synthesis are ethylene (almost half of all organic matter), propylene, butadiene, benzene, toluene, xylenes and methanol. Emissions from the chemical and petrochemical industries contain a wide range of pollutants: components of the feedstock, intermediate, by-products and target synthesis products.

3) Aerosols. Chlorofluorocarbons (freons) are widely used as volatile components (propellants) in aerosol packages. For these purposes, about 85% of freons were used and only 15% in refrigeration and artificial climate installations. The specificity of using freons is such that 95% of their quantity enters the atmosphere 1-2 years after production. It is believed that almost the entire amount of freon produced must sooner or later enter the stratosphere and be included in the catalytic cycle of ozone destruction.

The earth's crust contains various gases in a free state, sorbed different breeds and dissolved in water. Some of these gases reach the Earth's surface through deep faults and cracks and diffuse into the atmosphere. The existence of hydrocarbon respiration in the earth's crust is indicated by the increased methane content in the ground layer of air above oil and gas basins compared to the global background.

Studies have shown that the gases of Nicaragua's volcanoes contain noticeable amounts of HF. Analysis of air samples taken from the crater of the Masaya volcano also showed the presence of freons along with other organic compounds. Halocarbons are also present in gases from hydrothermal vents. These data required evidence that the detected hydrofluorocarbons were not of anthropogenic origin. And such evidence was obtained. Freons have been discovered in air bubbles in 2,000-year-old Antarctic ice. NASA specialists undertook a unique study of the air from a hermetically sealed lead coffin, discovered in Maryland and reliably dated to the 17th century. Freons were also found in it. Another confirmation of the existence of a natural source of freons was “raised” from the seabed. CFCl 3 was found in water recovered in 1982 from depths of more than 4,000 meters in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, at the bottom of the Aleutian Trench and at a depth of 4,500 meters off the coast of Antarctica.

Misconceptions about ozone holes

There are several widespread myths regarding the formation of ozone holes. Despite their unscientific nature, they often appear in the media - sometimes out of ignorance, sometimes supported by conspiracy theorists. Some of them are listed below.

1) The main ozone destroyers are freons. This statement is true for middle and high latitudes. In the rest, the chlorine cycle is responsible for only 15-25% of ozone loss in the stratosphere. It should be noted that 80% of chlorine is of anthropogenic origin. That is, human intervention greatly increases the contribution of the chlorine cycle. Before human intervention, the processes of ozone formation and destruction were in equilibrium. But freons emitted by human activity have shifted this balance towards a decrease in ozone concentration. The mechanism of ozone destruction in the polar regions is fundamentally different from that at higher latitudes; the key stage is the conversion of inactive forms of halogen-containing substances into oxides, which occurs on the surface of particles of polar stratospheric clouds. And as a result, almost all ozone is destroyed in reactions with halogens (chlorine is responsible for 40-50% and bromine is responsible for about 20-40%).

2) Freons are too heavy to reach the stratosphere .

It is sometimes argued that since freon molecules are much heavier than nitrogen and oxygen, they cannot reach the stratosphere in significant quantities. However, atmospheric gases are completely mixed, rather than separated or sorted by weight. Estimates of the required time for the diffusion stratification of gases in the atmosphere require times of the order of thousands of years. Of course, in a dynamic atmosphere this is impossible. Therefore, even such heavy gases as inert gases or freons are evenly distributed in the atmosphere, including reaching the stratosphere. Experimental measurements of their concentrations in the atmosphere confirm this. If the gases in the atmosphere did not mix, then such heavy gases from its composition as argon and carbon dioxide would form a layer several tens of meters thick on the surface of the Earth, which would make the surface of the Earth uninhabitable. Fortunately this is not the case.

3) The main sources of halogens are natural, not anthropogenic

Sources of chlorine in the stratosphere

It is believed that natural sources of halogens, such as volcanoes or oceans, are more significant for the process of ozone destruction than those produced by humans. Without questioning the contribution natural sources V total balance halogens, it should be noted that they generally do not reach the stratosphere due to the fact that they are water-soluble (mainly chloride ions and hydrogen chloride) and are washed out of the atmosphere, falling as rain on the ground.

4) The ozone hole must be located above the sources of freons

Dynamics of changes in the size of the ozone hole and ozone concentration in Antarctica by year.

Many people do not understand why the ozone hole forms in Antarctica when the main emissions of CFCs occur in the Northern Hemisphere. The fact is that freons are well mixed in the troposphere and stratosphere. Due to their low reactivity, they are practically not consumed in the lower layers of the atmosphere and have a lifespan of several years or even decades. Therefore, they easily reach the upper layers of the atmosphere. The Antarctic “ozone hole” does not exist forever. It appears at the end of winter - beginning of spring.

The reasons why the ozone hole forms in Antarctica are related to the local climate. The low temperatures of the Antarctic winter lead to the formation of a polar vortex. The air inside this vortex moves mainly along closed trajectories around the South Pole. At this time, the polar region is not illuminated by the Sun, and ozone does not arise there. With the arrival of summer, the amount of ozone increases and returns to its previous level. That is, fluctuations in ozone concentration over Antarctica are seasonal. However, if we trace the yearly averaged dynamics of changes in ozone concentration and the size of the ozone hole over the past decades, then there is a strictly defined tendency for ozone concentration to fall.

5) Ozone is only destroyed over Antarctica

Dynamics of changes in the ozone layer over Arosa, Switzerland

This is not true; ozone levels are also falling throughout the atmosphere. This is shown by the results of long-term measurements of ozone concentrations in different parts of the planet. You can look at the graph of changes in ozone concentration over Arosa (Switzerland).

Ways to solve problems

To begin global recovery, it is necessary to reduce the access to the atmosphere of all substances that very quickly destroy ozone and are stored there for a long time. People need to understand this and help nature start the process of restoring the ozone layer; in particular, new forest plantings are needed.

To restore the ozone layer, it needs to be recharged. At first, for this purpose, it was planned to create several ground-based ozone factories and “throw” ozone into the upper layers of the atmosphere on cargo planes. However, this project (probably it was the first project to “treat” the planet) was not implemented. A different way is proposed by the Russian consortium Interozon: producing ozone directly in the atmosphere. In the near future, together with the German company Daza, it is planned to raise balloons with infrared lasers to a height of 15 km, with the help of which they can produce ozone from diatomic oxygen. If this experiment turns out to be successful, in the future it is planned to use the experience of the Russian orbital station"Mir" and create several space platforms with energy sources and lasers at an altitude of 400 km. Laser beams will be directed into the central part of the ozone layer and will constantly replenish it. The energy source can be solar panels. Astronauts on these platforms will only be required for periodic inspections and repairs.

Time will tell whether the grandiose peace project will be realized.

Taking into account the emergency of the situation, it seems necessary:

Expand the complex of theoretical and experimental research on the problem of preserving the ozone layer;

Create an International Fund for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer through active means;

Organize an International Committee to develop a strategy for the survival of humanity in extreme conditions.

Bibliography

1. (ru -).

2. ((cite web - | url = http://www.duel.ru/200530/?30_4_2 - | title = “Duel” Is it worth it? - | accessdate = 07/3/2007 - | lang = ru - ) )

3. I.K.Larin. The ozone layer and the Earth's climate. Errors of the mind and their correction.

4. National Academy of SciencesHalocarbons: Effects on Stratospheric Ozone. - 1976.

5. Babakin B. S. Refrigerants: history of appearance, classification, application.

6. Magazine "Ecology and Life". Article by E.A. Zhadina, candidate of physical and mathematical sciences.

Guest article

The problem of ozone holes is one of the most discussed. Scientists are still arguing about the reasons for their appearance, highlighting various influencing factors, but almost everyone knows about the consequences. This phenomenon is not as clear-cut as many people think thanks to numerous media outlets. Until now, the processes causing the thinning of the ozone layer are being studied and analyzed.

Main reasons

Ozone is a gas that quickly enters into a chemical reaction and is instantly destroyed, turning into other compounds. The catalysts for such changes are chlorine and bromine, which are much more abundant in the atmosphere today than they were several centuries ago. Emissions of these substances are carefully controlled; in industry, many elements have already been replaced with much safer ones. But the main problem is that the decay period of chlorine, for example, ranges from 75 to 110 years, depending on environmental conditions. All this time the substance will affect the ozone. However, a molecule of a compound harmful to the atmosphere literally destroys up to a thousand units of useful gas, which serves reliable protection for the planet. This is the main, root cause of ozone holes.

The largest source of pollution is industrial enterprises, which emit smoke with residues of bromine and chlorine into the air. For a long time It was believed that cans and aerosols also contained destructive substances, but today this theory has been refuted. The influence of such household items it is impossible to track on a global scale because it is extremely small.

The development of ozone holes also contributes to air transport. The fuel burned by airplanes in huge quantities contains harmful compounds. They immediately enter the upper layers of the atmosphere, so they affect the ozone layer even more negatively than numerous factories. Scientists also note that ozone holes today are actively expanding precisely where the largest number of aeronautical routes pass.

Recent studies have shown that the cause of the growing ozone holes was catastrophic events in the past. Nuclear and chemical weapons their full consequences have not yet manifested themselves. The rapid destruction of the ozone layer is one of them. The number of dangerous holes in these areas is growing, despite numerous efforts to improve the environmental situation.

Consequences

Without the ozone layer, the planet cannot exist in a form in which it is suitable for life. And the more ozone holes, the faster it is destroyed protective layer atmosphere. The trend towards global warming, glaciers are shrinking, which leads to a change in world currents, even large-scale flooding and a general change in the topography of the earth’s surface.

The consequences of the appearance of ozone holes can also be felt by humans. It is constantly exposed to ultraviolet radiation, as well as irradiation by other particles penetrating from space. As a result, the immune system is the first to suffer, the number of infections increases, and mutations under the influence of radiation accumulate in DNA. Already today, doctors are noticing a rapid increase in the number of patients with skin cancer, which is also associated with the thinning of the ozone layer.

The consequences for the animal are no less disastrous, flora. The inhabitants of the ocean are the first to suffer. Plankton cannot live in the upper layers of water under the influence of such strong ultraviolet radiation and quickly die. Fish and large animals are getting less and less food, and their populations are declining. The same thing happens on land: trees cannot fully produce oxygen, they die, and numerous animals suffer from a lack of food and entire species are threatened with extinction.

Earth is undoubtedly the most unique planet in our world. solar system. This is the only planet suitable for life. But we do not always appreciate this and believe that we are unable to change and disrupt what has been created over billions of years. In the entire history of its existence, our planet has never received such loads as those given to it by man.

Our planet has an ozone layer, which is so necessary for our life. It protects us from exposure to ultraviolet rays emanating from the sun. Without it, life on this planet would not be possible.

Ozone is a blue gas with a characteristic odor. Each of us knows this pungent smell, which is especially noticeable after rain. It’s not for nothing that ozone means “smelling” in Greek. It is formed at an altitude of up to 50 km from the surface of the earth. But most of it is located at 22 - 24 km.

Causes of ozone holes

In the early 70s, scientists began to notice a decrease in the ozone layer. The reason for this is the entry into the upper layers of the stratosphere of ozone-depleting substances used in industry, rocket launches, and many other factors. These are mainly chlorine and bromine molecules. Chlorofluorocarbons and other substances released by humans reach the stratosphere, where, under the influence of sunlight, they break down into chlorine and burn ozone molecules. It has been proven that one chlorine molecule can burn 100,000 ozone molecules. And it lasts in the atmosphere from 75 to 111 years!

As a result of the fall of ozone in the atmosphere, ozone holes occur. The first was discovered in the early 80s in the Arctic. Its diameter was not very large, and the drop in ozone was 9 percent.

Ozone hole in the Arctic

An ozone hole is a severe drop in the percentage of ozone in certain places in the atmosphere. The very word “hole” makes this clear to us without further explanation.

In the spring of 1985 in Antarctica, over the Hally Bay station, the ozone content dropped by 40%. The hole turned out to be huge and had already moved beyond Antarctica. Its layer reaches a height of up to 24 km. In 2008, it was calculated that its size was already more than 26 million km2. This stunned the whole world. Has it become clear? that our atmosphere is in greater danger than we imagined. Since 1971, ozone levels have fallen by 7% worldwide. As a result, our planet began to receive ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, which is biologically dangerous.

Consequences of ozone holes

Doctors believe that as a result of the decrease in ozone, the percentage of skin cancer and blindness due to cataracts has increased. Human immunity also decreases, which leads to various types other diseases. Residents suffer the most upper layers oceans. These are shrimp, crabs, algae, plankton, etc.

An international UN agreement has now been signed to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances. But even if you stop using them. It will take more than 100 years to close the holes.

Can ozone holes be repaired?

To date, scientists have proposed one way to restore ozone using aircraft. To do this, it is necessary to release artificially created oxygen or ozone at an altitude of 12-30 kilometers above the Earth and disperse it with a special sprayer. This way, little by little, the ozone holes can be filled. The disadvantage of this method is that it requires significant economic waste. In addition, it is impossible to release a large amount of ozone into the atmosphere at one time. Also, the process of transporting ozone itself is complex and unsafe.

Myths about ozone holes

Since the problem of ozone holes remains open, several misconceptions have formed around it. Thus, they sought to turn the depletion of the ozone layer into a fiction that is beneficial to industry, supposedly due to enrichment. On the contrary, all chlorofluorocarbon substances have been replaced with cheaper and safer components of natural origin.

Another false claim is that ozone-depleting CFCs are too heavy to reach the ozone layer. But in the atmosphere, all elements are mixed, and polluting components can reach the level of the stratosphere, where the ozone layer is located.

You should not trust the statement that ozone is destroyed by halogens of natural origin, and not of anthropogenic origin. This is not so; it is human activity that contributes to the identification of various harmful substances that destroy the ozone layer. The consequences of volcanic explosions and other natural disasters have virtually no effect on the state of ozone.

And the last myth is that ozone is destroyed only over Antarctica. In fact, ozone holes form throughout the atmosphere, causing the amount of ozone to decrease overall.

Forecasts for the future

Since ozone holes began to exist, they have been closely monitored. IN Lately The situation was completely ambiguous. On the one hand, in many countries, small ozone holes appear and disappear, especially in industrialized areas, and on the other hand, there is a positive trend in the reduction of some large ozone holes.

During the observations, the researchers recorded that the largest ozone hole hung over Antarctica, and it reached its maximum size in 2000. Since then, judging by satellite images, the hole has been gradually closing. These statements are presented in the scientific journal Science. Ecologists estimate that its area has decreased by 4 million square meters. kilometers.

Research shows that the amount of ozone in the stratosphere is gradually increasing from year to year. This was facilitated by the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. In accordance with this document, all countries are trying to reduce emissions into the atmosphere, and the amount of transport is being reduced. China has been especially successful in this regard. There, the appearance of new cars is regulated and there is the concept of a quota, that is, a certain number of car license plates can be registered per year. In addition, some progress has been made in improving the atmosphere, because people are gradually switching to alternative sources energy, there is a search for effective resources that would help save.

After 1987, the problem of ozone holes was raised more than once. Many conferences and meetings of scientists are devoted to this problem. Issues are also discussed at meetings of state representatives. So in 2015, the Conference on Climate Change was held in Paris, the purpose of which was to develop actions against climate change. This will also help reduce emissions into the atmosphere, which means that ozone holes will gradually close. For example, scientists predict that by the end of the 21st century the ozone hole over Antarctica will completely disappear.

Where are the ozone holes (VIDEO)

The occurrence of ozone holes in the polar regions occurs due to the influence of a number of factors. Ozone concentrations decrease as a result of exposure to substances of natural and anthropogenic origin, as well as due to lack of solar radiation throughout the polar winter. The main anthropogenic factor causing the occurrence of ozone holes in the polar regions occurs due to the influence of a number of factors. Ozone concentrations decrease as a result of exposure to substances of natural and anthropogenic origin, as well as due to a lack of solar radiation during the polar winter. The main anthropogenic factor causing a decrease in ozone concentration is the release of chlorine- and bromine-containing freons. In addition, extremely low temperatures in the polar regions cause the formation of so-called polar stratospheric clouds, which, in combination with polar vortexes, act as catalysts in the ozone decay reaction, that is, they simply kill ozone.

Sources of destruction

Among the ozone layer depleters are:

1) Freons.

Ozone is destroyed by chlorine compounds known as freons, which, also destroyed by solar radiation, release chlorine, which “tears off” the “third” atom from ozone molecules. Chlorine does not form compounds, but serves as a “breaking” catalyst. Thus, one chlorine atom can “destroy” a lot of ozone. It is believed that chlorine compounds can remain in the atmosphere from 50 to 1500 years (depending on the composition of the substance) of the Earth. Observations of the planet's ozone layer have been carried out by Antarctic expeditions since the mid-50s.

The ozone hole over Antarctica, which increases in size in the spring and decreases in the fall, was discovered in 1985. The discovery of meteorologists caused a chain of economic consequences. The fact is that the existence of the “hole” was blamed on the chemical industry, which produces substances containing freons that contribute to the destruction of ozone (from deodorants to refrigeration units). There is no consensus on the question of how much humans are to blame for the formation of “ozone holes.” On the one hand, yes, he is certainly guilty. The production of compounds that lead to ozone depletion should be minimized, or better yet stopped altogether. That is, to abandon an entire industry sector with a turnover of many billions of dollars. And if you don’t refuse, then transfer it to “safe” rails, which also costs money.

The point of view of skeptics: human influence on atmospheric processes, for all its destructiveness on a local level, is negligible on a planetary scale. The Greens' anti-freon campaign has a completely transparent economic and political background: with its help, large American corporations (DuPont, for example) are strangling their foreign competitors by imposing agreements on "protection" environment"at the state level and forcibly introducing a new technological revolution that economically weaker states are not able to withstand.

2)High altitude aircraft

The destruction of the ozone layer is facilitated not only by freons released into the atmosphere and entering the stratosphere. Nitrogen oxides, which are formed during nuclear explosions, are also involved in the destruction of the ozone layer. But nitrogen oxides are also formed in the combustion chambers of turbojet engines of high-altitude aircraft. Nitrogen oxides are formed from the nitrogen and oxygen that are found there. The higher the temperature, i.e., the greater the engine power, the greater the rate of formation of nitrogen oxides. It's not just the power of an airplane's engine that matters, but also the altitude at which it flies and releases ozone-depleting nitrogen oxides. The higher the nitrous oxide or oxide is formed, the more destructive it is to ozone. The total amount of nitrogen oxide that is emitted into the atmosphere per year is estimated at 1 billion tons. About a third of this amount is emitted by aircraft above the average tropopause level (11 km). As for aircraft, the most harmful emissions are from military aircraft, the number of which amounts to tens of thousands. They fly primarily at altitudes in the ozone layer.

3) Mineral fertilizers

Ozone in the stratosphere can also decrease due to the fact that nitrous oxide N2O enters the stratosphere, which is formed during the denitrification of nitrogen bound by soil bacteria. The same denitrification of fixed nitrogen is also carried out by microorganisms in the upper layer of oceans and seas. The denitrification process is directly related to the amount of fixed nitrogen in the soil. Thus, you can be sure that with an increase in the amount of mineral fertilizers applied to the soil, the amount of nitrous oxide N2O formed will also increase to the same extent. Further, nitrogen oxides are formed from nitrous oxide, which lead to the destruction of stratospheric ozone.

4) Nuclear explosions

Nuclear explosions release a lot of energy in the form of heat. A temperature of 6000 0 C is established within a few seconds after a nuclear explosion. This is energy fireball. In a highly heated atmosphere, transformations of chemical substances occur that either do not occur under normal conditions, or proceed very slowly. As for ozone and its disappearance, the most dangerous for it are the nitrogen oxides formed during these transformations. Thus, during the period from 1952 to 1971, as a result of nuclear explosions, about 3 million tons of nitrogen oxides were formed in the atmosphere. Further fate they are as follows: as a result of mixing the atmosphere, they fall on different heights, including into the atmosphere. There they enter into chemical reactions with the participation of ozone, leading to its destruction.

5) Fuel combustion.

Nitrous oxide is also found in flue gases from power plants. Actually, the fact that nitrogen oxide and dioxide are present in combustion products has been known for a long time. But these higher oxides do not affect ozone. They, of course, pollute the atmosphere and contribute to the formation of smog in it, but they are quickly removed from the troposphere. Nitrous oxide, as already mentioned, is dangerous for ozone. At low temperatures it is formed in the following reactions:

N 2 + O + M = N 2 O + M,

2NH 3 + 2O 2 =N 2 O = 3H 2.

The scale of this phenomenon is very significant. In this way, approximately 3 million tons of nitrous oxide are formed in the atmosphere annually! This figure suggests that it is a source of ozone destruction.

Conclusion: Sources of destruction are: freons, high-altitude aircraft, mineral fertilizers, nuclear explosions, fuel combustion.

One of the most remarkable "green" myths is the claim that the ozone holes above the Earth's poles are caused by emissions of certain substances produced by humans into the atmosphere. Thousands of people still believe in it, even though any schoolchild who hasn’t skipped chemistry and geography classes can debunk this myth.

The myth that human activity is causing the so-called ozone hole to grow is remarkable in many ways. Firstly, it is extremely plausible, that is, it is based on real facts. Such as the presence of the ozone hole itself and the fact that a number of substances produced by humans can destroy ozone. And if so, then a non-specialist has no doubt that it is human activity that is to blame for the depletion of the ozone layer - just look at the graphs of the hole’s growth and the increase in emissions of relevant substances into the atmosphere.

And here another feature of the “ozone” myth emerges. For some reason, those who believe the above-mentioned evidence completely forget that the mere coincidence of two graphs does not mean anything. After all, it may just be an accident. In order to have undeniable evidence of the anthropogenic theory of the origin of ozone holes, it is necessary to study not only the mechanism of ozone destruction by freons and other substances, but also the mechanism of subsequent restoration of the layer.

Well, here comes the fun part. As soon as an interested non-specialist begins to study all these mechanisms (for which you do not need to sit in the library for days - just remember a few paragraphs from school textbooks on chemistry and geography), he immediately understands that this version is nothing more than a myth. And remembering the impact this myth had on the world economy by limiting the production of freons, he immediately understands why it was created. However, let's look at the situation from the very beginning and in order.

We remember from the chemistry course that ozone is an allotropic modification of oxygen. Its molecules contain not two O atoms, but three. Ozone can be formed in different ways, but the most common in nature is this: oxygen absorbs a portion of ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 175-200 nm and 280-315 nm and is converted into ozone. This is exactly how the ozone protective layer was formed in ancient times (somewhere 2-1.7 billion years ago), and this is how it continues to form to this day.

By the way, from the above it follows that almost half of the dangerous UV radiation is actually absorbed by oxygen, not ozone. Ozone is just a "by-product" this process. However, its value lies in the fact that it also absorbs part of the ultraviolet - that whose wavelength is from 200 to 280 nm. But what happens to the ozone itself? That's right - it turns back into oxygen. Thus, in the upper layers of the atmosphere there is a certain cyclic equilibrium process - ultraviolet of one type promotes the conversion of ozone into oxygen, and it, absorbing UV radiation of another type, again turns into O 2.

From all this follows a simple and logical conclusion- In order to completely destroy the ozone layer, we need to deprive our atmosphere of oxygen. After all, no matter how much human-produced freons (hydrocarbons containing chlorine and bromine, used as refrigerants and solvents), methane, hydrogen chloride and nitrogen monoxide destroy ozone molecules, ultraviolet irradiation of oxygen will again restore the ozone layer - after all, these substances are “turned off” unable! As well as reducing the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere, since trees, grasses and algae produce hundreds of thousands of times more of it than humanity - the aforementioned ozone destroyers.

So, as you can see, not a single substance created by people is able to destroy the ozone layer as long as oxygen is present in the Earth’s atmosphere and the Sun emits ultraviolet radiation. But why then do ozone holes occur? I want to say right away that the term “hole” itself is not entirely correct - we're talking about only about the thinning of the ozone layer in certain parts of the stratosphere, and not about its complete absence. However, to answer the question, you just need to remember where exactly on the planet the largest and most persistent ozone holes exist.

And here there is nothing to remember: the largest of the stable ozone holes is located directly above Antarctica, and the other, slightly smaller one, is located above the Arctic. All other ozone holes on Earth are unstable; they form quickly, but are “darned” just as quickly. Why does the thinning of the ozone layer persist for quite a long time in the polar regions? Yes, simply because in these places the polar night lasts for six months. And during this time, the atmosphere over the Arctic and Antarctic does not receive enough ultraviolet light to convert oxygen into ozone.

Well, O 3, in turn, left without “replenishment”, begins to quickly collapse - after all, it is a very unstable substance. That is why the ozone layer over the poles is thinning considerably, although the process occurs with some delay - a visible hole appears at the beginning of summer and disappears by mid-winter. However, when the polar day arrives, ozone begins to be produced again and the ozone hole is slowly mended. True, not completely - all the same, the time of intense receipt of UV radiation in these parts is shorter than the period of its deficiency. That's why the ozone hole doesn't disappear.

But why, in this case, was the myth created and replicated? The answer to this question is not only simple, but very simple. The fact is that the presence of a permanent ozone hole over Antarctica was first proven in 1985. And at the end of 1986, specialists American company DuPont (that is, DuPont) launched the production of a new class of refrigerants - fluorocarbons that do not contain chlorine. This greatly reduced the cost of production, but the new substance still had to be promoted to the market.

And here DuPont finances the dissemination in the media of a myth about evil freons that spoil the ozone layer, which was created by a group of meteorologists on its order. As a result, a frightened public began to demand that the authorities take action. And these measures were taken at the end of 1987, when a protocol was signed in Montreal to limit the production of substances that deplete the ozone layer. This led to the ruin of many companies that produced freons, and also to the fact that DuPont became a monopolist in the refrigerant market for many years.

By the way, it was precisely the speed with which DuPont management made the decision to use the ozone hole for its own purposes that led to the fact that the myth turned out to be so unfinished that it could be exposed by an ordinary schoolchild who did not skip chemistry and geography classes. If they had more time, you see, they would have composed a more convincing version. Nevertheless, even what the scientists eventually “gave birth” at the request of DuPont was able to convince many people.