EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Stratospheric ozone is formed naturally through the interaction of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation with molecular oxygen (O2). The “ozone layer, ” approximately 6 through 30 miles above the Earth’s surface, reduces the amount of harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface.

Detailed explanation-2: -About 10% of atmospheric ozone is in the troposphere, the region closest to Earth (from the surface to about 10–16 kilometers (6–10 miles)). The remaining ozone (about 90%) resides in the stratosphere between the top of the troposphere and about 50 kilometers (31 miles) altitude.

Detailed explanation-3: -Tropospheric ozone is formed by the interaction of sunlight, particularly ultraviolet light, with hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, which are emitted by automobile tailpipes and smokestacks. In urban areas, high ozone levels usually occur during warm summer months.

Detailed explanation-4: -Because the ozone absorbs the higher-energy UV photons, no significant amount of ozone forms in the lower part of the atmosphere.