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What is the function of the ozone layer in the stratosphere?
To reflect radio waves
To absorb ultraviolet radiation
To increase atmospheric pressure
To trap heat from the Earth
To absorb ultraviolet radiation
The ozone layer located in the stratosphere acts as a vital shield for life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Specifically, it absorbs UV-B and UV-C radiation, preventing them from reaching the surface and protecting living organisms from severe biological damage.
The ozone layer located in the stratosphere acts as a vital shield for life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Specifically, it absorbs UV-B and UV-C radiation, preventing them from reaching the surface and protecting living organisms from severe biological damage.
The stratosphere extends from about 10 to 50 km above Earth, with the ozone layer discovered in 1913 by French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson.
The ozone layer is concentrated in the lower stratosphere between 15 and 35 kilometers above Earth.
It absorbs roughly 97 to 99 percent of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting life on Earth.
Ozone depletion is heavily mitigated internationally by the Montreal Protocol signed in 1987.
Option A is incorrect because radio waves are reflected by the ionosphere layer of the atmosphere.
Option C is incorrect because atmospheric pressure decreases continuously as altitude increases.
Option D is incorrect because heat trapping near the Earth's surface is mainly caused by greenhouse gases in the troposphere.
B is correct тАФ The stratospheric ozone layer functions primarily to absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
In competitive exams like RRB JE, expect matching or statement-based questions pairing atmospheric layers such as the troposphere, stratosphere, and ionosphere with their unique phenomena.