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. After laws were passed in multiple countries regulating ozone-depleting substances, like
aerosol sprays that contain
chlorofluorocarbons (or CFCs), depletion of the ozone layer has dramatically slowed. It's one of the few real wins the
environmental movement has enjoyed, but everyone agrees it was a damn good thing.