An
atmospheric layer of the
earth which extends from about six miles up to about 30 miles up. It contains a high
concentration of
ozone (Surprise, surprise!) and absorbs much of the
ultraviolet radiation directed at the earth; it also prevents some of the
planet's
heat loss. It is also known as the
ozonosphere.
There is currently a large
hole in the ozone layer over
Antarctica. It is generally acknowledged to have been caused by
air pollutants such as
fluorocarbons. It is also generally believed to be a
factor in
global warming.