outline
Earth is an extraordinary planet. Complex interactions between the land, oceans, and atmosphere
created conditions that are favorable for life. One species, man, has managed to alter the
environment on a global scale. In order to fully comprehend the impact of our actions, we must
view the planet as a whole and understand the relationship between its basic components; land,
water, and air.
This web sight discusses the chemical composition and evolution of Earth's atmosphere, focusing on
the protective layer of ozone in the stratosphere. The destructive properties of tropospheric
ozone are also presented. Diagrams and animation sequences are used to visually depict the
delicate structure of the ozone molecule and the chemical reactions involved in its formation and
destruction. Ozone destroying pollutants were first identified in 1973. Since that time there has
been a considerable amount of controversy surrounding the subject of ozone depletion. More than 20
years of ozone-related scientific studies, international meetings, and global industrial agreements
are summarized in the last section of this sight.
- Earth's Atmosphere
- Historical Atmosphere
Formation of the Ozone Layer
Present Day Atmosphere
Atmospheric Structure
- Understanding Ozone
- Destructive Ozone
Protective
Ozone
Ozone Production and Destruction
The Ozone Balance
Social
Considerations
Index of Images
- next: Earth's Atmosphere
Goddard DAAC Helpdesk: 301-286-3209 or 1-800-257-6151 -- daacuso@daac.gsfc.nasa.gov
Web Curator: Daniel Ziskin -- ziskin@daac.gsfc.nasa.gov
NASA official: Paul Chan,
GDAAC Manager -- chan@daac.gsfc.nasa.gov
Last Revision Date: January 16, 1996