ozone layer
noun
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
o·zo·no·sphere
[oh-zoh-nuh-sfeer] /oʊˈzoʊ nəˌsfɪər/.
Words nearby ozone layer
ozo-,
ozocerite,
ozon-,
ozone,
ozone hole,
ozone layer,
ozone sickness,
ozone-friendly,
ozonic ether,
ozonide,
ozoniferous
British Dictionary definitions for ozone layer
ozone layer
noun
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
Scientific definitions for ozone layer
ozone layer
A region of the atmosphere, lying mostly in the stratosphere, containing relatively high levels of ozone, 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.
Cultural definitions for ozone layer
ozone layer
A band of ozone in the upper atmosphere. Ozone is a molecule made of three atoms of oxygen instead of the usual two.
notes for ozone layer
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.)