Definition

Noun: A region of Earth's stratosphere, located approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) above the surface, which contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃) molecules. This layer absorbs and scatters the majority of the sun's biologically harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Usage

The term is used in scientific and environmental contexts to refer specifically to the atmospheric layer responsible for protecting life on Earth from excessive UV radiation. - Scientists monitor the thickness of the ozonosphere for signs of depletion. - The discovery of a hole in the ozonosphere over Antarctica raised global environmental concerns.

Advanced Usage

• "The integrity of the ozonosphere": Refers to the health and protective capability of the ozone layer.
  • International treaties aim to preserve the integrity of the ozonosphere.

Variants and Related Words

• Ozone Layer: The more common and functionally synonymous term for the ozonosphere.
• Stratosphere: The broader atmospheric layer within which the ozonosphere resides.
• Ozone Hole: A severe seasonal thinning of the ozone layer, particularly over the polar regions.

Synonyms

• Ozone layer
• Ozone shield

Related Phrases

• Ozone depletion: The reduction of ozone concentration in the ozonosphere.
  • The use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) was a major cause of ozone depletion.
• Ozone recovery: The process of the ozonosphere repairing itself after the reduction of harmful emissions.
  • Signs of ozone recovery have been observed following the Montreal Protocol.

Noun

1. a layer in the stratosphere (at approximately 20 miles) that contains a concentration of ozone sufficient to block most ultraviolet radiation from the sun