GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -When chlorine and bromine atoms come into contact with ozone in the stratosphere, they destroy ozone molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy over 100, 000 ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere. Ozone can be destroyed more quickly than it is naturally created.

Detailed explanation-2: -When a CFC molecule reaches the stratosphere, it eventually absorbs UV radiation, causing it to decompose and release its chlorine atoms. One chlorine atom can destroy up to 100, 000 ozone molecules.

Detailed explanation-3: -The chlorine pulls the oxygen atom away, leaving behind an O2 molecule, which provides no UV protection. The chlorine then releases the oxygen atom and moves on to destroy another ozone molecule. One CFC molecule can destroy as many as 100, 000 ozone molecules.

Detailed explanation-4: -Once in the atmosphere, CFCs drift slowly upward to the stratosphere, where they are broken up by ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms, which are able to destroy ozone molecules.

Detailed explanation-5: -CFCs and HCFCs destroy the ozone layer in the stratosphere and are powerful greenhouse gases. They have been predominantly replaced in new equipment by HFCs, which don’t deplete the ozone layer but do still cause global warming. The production and consumption of CFCs and HCFCs are regulated under the Montreal Protocol.