This is a quick summary of the major points in the IBDP Environmental Systems and Societies Topic 5 on Pollution Management, specifically 5.6 Ozone Depletion.

1. Depletion
of
Stratosphe
IBDP Environmental
Systems and Societies - SL
Topic 5.6
http://www.physicscentral.com

3. 5.6.1 Outline the overall structure and
composition of the atmosphere.
Troposphere:
0-12km high
all weather here
higher = colder
Stratosphere:
12-50km high
jet stream here
contains ozone layer
higher = warmer
Image source:
Outer layers: csep10.phys.utk.edu
Mesosphere: 50-80km high; meteor showers
Ionosphere: auroras here; reflect radio waves for
communication

4. 5.6.1 Outline the overall structure and
composition of the atmosphere.

5. 5.6.1 Outline the overall structure and
composition of the atmosphere.

6. 5.6.1 Outline the overall structure and
composition of the atmosphere.
A closer look at
the processes
within the
Note the
interaction of
human and
Where do
people live and
breathe in this
image?
Image source: oceanworld.tamu.edu

9. 5.6.2 Describe the role of ozone in the
absorption of ultraviolet radiation.
How ozone is
formed:
energy from
incoming UV light
Image source: http://ozone.meteo.be

10. 5.6.2 Describe the role of ozone in the
absorption of ultraviolet radiation.
How ozone is
formed:
energy from
incoming UV light
When ozone is split
into O2 and atomic
O, that process
More ozone = more Image source: http://ozone.meteo.be
UV absorbed
Image source: http://www.meteor.iastate.edu

13. 5.6.2 Describe the role of ozone in the
absorption of ultraviolet radiation.
3 Kinds of UV
radiation:
UVa: wrinkles
UVb: skin cancer
Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org

14. 5.6.2 Describe the role of ozone in the
absorption of ultraviolet radiation.
3 Kinds of UV
radiation:
UVa: wrinkles
UVb: skin cancer
Which kind of UV light
is absorbed least by
stratospheric ozone?
Which kind of UV light
Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org
is absorbed most by
stratospheric ozone?
Based on this pattern, what
consequences could we
expect if stratospheric

17. 5.6.3 Explain the interaction between
ozone and halogenated organic gases.
HOG
HOGs: Halogenated Organic
Halogens Organic: Gases:
: highly carbon- quickly
reactive based moving
Group 7 molecule
elements s
HOGs: quickly moving,
highly-reactive carbon-
based molecules

18. 5.6.3 Explain the interaction between
ozone and halogenated organic gases.
HOG
HOGs: quickly moving,
highly-reactive carbon-
based ChloroFluoroCarbons
CFCs: molecules
Image source: http://www.dynamicscience.com.au
Chloro: Fluoro: Carbon:
chlorine fluorine organic!
(a (also a CFC
halogen) halogen) s
=
HOG
s!

21. 5.6.3 Explain the interaction between
ozone and halogenated organic gases.
HOGs: Halogenated CFCs:
Image source: http://www.theozonehole.com

24. 5.6.4 State the effects of ultraviolet
radiation on living tissues and
Remember this?
UVa: wrinkles
UVb: skin cancer
UVc: damages organs/

25. 5.6.4 State the effects of ultraviolet
radiation on living tissues and
Remember this?
UVa: wrinkles
UVb: skin cancer
UVc: damages organs/
Image source: http://
hardinmd.lib.uiowa.edu

26. 5.6.4 State the effects of ultraviolet
radiation on living tissues and
Remember this?
UVa: wrinkles
UVb: skin cancer
UVc: damages organs/
reacts with melanin in
skin: sunburn & skin
cancer
degrades immune Image source: http://
hardinmd.lib.uiowa.edu
system
produces vitamin D
(good)
interferes with
photosynthesis (esp.

29. 5.6.5 Describe three methods of
reducing the manufacture and release
of ozone-depleting substances.
1.gas-blown plastics
3-tiered (styrofoam) out
Tier 1: Replace 2.CFC’s → CO2, propane,
Tier 2: Regulate or air
3.aerosol propellants →
Tier 3: Restore
non-aerosols
4.methylbromide
pesticides → something
other than GHG’s
5.don’t use aerosol hair
products or deodorant:
use alternatives (gel,
mousse, roll-ons)

30. 5.6.5 Describe three methods of
reducing the manufacture and release
of ozone-depleting substances. CFCs
1.recover/recycle
3-tiered from refrigerators and
ACs
Tier 1: Replace 2.HCFC’s better because
Tier 2: Regulate they don’t last as long,
Tier 3: Restore but still harmful to the
ozone layer (just less
so than CFC’s)
3.legislate to return
refrigerators to
manufacturer to
recover materials
4.capture CFC’s from
scrap cars and AC units

31. 5.6.5 Describe three methods of
reducing the manufacture and release
of ozone-depleting substances.
1.remove chlorine from
3-tiered
the stratosphere or add
Tier 1: Replace ozone (not exactly
Tier 2: Regulate feasible!)
Tier 3: Restore 2.ozone layer is slowly
replenishing itself as
long as we continue the
ban (see below)

34. 5.6.6 Describe and evaluate the role of
national and international
organizations in reducing the
Montreal Protocol (1987) Positives?
international agreement international agreement
froze production + use of it worked!
CFC’s LEDCs more time
LEDCs granted more time successful cooperative
to implement the treaty effort
China + India have not Negatives?
met quotas China + India still not
prime example of a compliant
successful international limits could have been
cooperative effort to alter stronger
human impact on the

36. 5.6.6 Describe and evaluate the role of
national and international
organizations in reducing the
UNEP (United Nations Positives?
Environment Program) international agreement
ITIHC (International Trade policy based on
in Harmful Chemicals) scientific data
forges rules on…
air pollution
contamination of Negatives?
international enforceability:
waterways recommendations only
provides information to not much more than a
countries and public on think tank/window
disadvantages of pollution dressing