Top » Environment, Nature & Wildlife

an ozone history

We all know that ozone depletion is a major environmental concern. But some of us are a little fuzzy about what ozone is and precisely why it's so vital to the planet's functions. This article, adapted by Ron Cowen from a text authored by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dr. F. Sherwood Rowland, defines ozone in lay terms, helped along by straightforward illustrations. There's a fascinating history of the discovery of ozone, along with explanation of the processes of ozone loss. The focus of this fairly lengthy text is on the course of scientists' investigations into ozone, but even if you're no chemistry genius, you'll be able to follow the article. For a quick overview of atmospheric science and policy decisions through 1996, check out the timeline at the article's end. (Or head there directly at http://www4.nationalacademies.org/beyond/beyonddiscovery.nsf/web/ozone10 ).

Thu, 16 Mar 2000 07:42:18 -0800