1. Tropospheric vs. Stratospheric Ozone Ozone: “Good up high, bad nearby”

2. Ozone Basics Colorless, odorless, tasteless The ozone plays a vital role in the atmosphere –absorbs most of the damaging UV sunlight (UV-B) –Plays a key role in the temperature structure of the Earth’s atmosphere Composed of three oxygen atoms and have the chemical formula O 3

3. Tropospheric vs. Stratospheric Ozone Tropospheric Ozone Ground level ozone Unstable Reacts chemically with plants, rubber, and the tissues of living creatures – including you! (kids and elderly people are the most affected) Has harmful effect on crop production, forest growth, and human health Stratospheric Ozone Protective ozone layer Absorbs UV radiation, thus creating a source of heat for the Earth Filters out UV-B radiation (the cause of skin cancers)

4. “Good up high, bad nearby”