Question

The graph below shows the change in ozone concentration with altitude in Earth’s atmosphere. The data table below shows the average height range above sea level, in kilometers (km), for the different layers of Earth’s atmosphere. Which layer of Earth’s atmosphere contains the highest concentration of ozone?

Answer 1

The layer of Earth's atmosphere that contains the highest concentration of ozone is the stratosphere.

Step-by-step explanation:

The layer of Earth's atmosphere that contains the highest concentration of ozone is the stratosphere. The stratosphere starts at approximately 10 kilometers above the Earth's surface and extends up to about 50 kilometers. It is in this layer that most atmospheric ozone is found, which acts as a barrier to harmful ultraviolet light from the sun.

Ozone forms naturally in the upper atmosphere through the action of ultraviolet light from the sun on oxygen. The ozone molecules are constantly formed and destroyed in the stratosphere, keeping the total amount relatively stable.

By absorbing ultraviolet light, the ozone layer protects the Earth's surface from the harmful effects of UV radiation. This is essential for life on Earth as excessive UV radiation can cause genetic damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.