Atmospheric Problems in the Stratosphere and Mesosphere

Abstract

Considerable interest has been engendered both within the scientific community and within the general public on the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on the stratosphere. The fact that life on the earth's surface depends upon a rather small amount of ozone in the stratosphere has been known for some time. This ozone layer filters harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth and life as we know it has developed within these restraints. It is only recently, however, that scientists have understood that the amount of ozone in the stratosphere is controlled by trace amounts of substances other than ozone. These substances can be roughly broken down into families, the nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine, hydrogen and sulfur families. The concern is as to whether human activities can add significantly to the natural trace substances in the stratosphere and affect the balance of ozone.