which describes the important role of the ozone layer?
a. It absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation.
b. It protects the surface from extreme weather.
c. It prevents the air from getting thinner.
d. It increases the oxygen level.
a. It absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation.
The important role of the ozone layer is described by option (a) - It absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer acts as a shield in Earth's stratosphere, preventing most of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the Earth's surface. This absorption of UV radiation is crucial for protecting living organisms and ecosystems from the harmful effects of excessive UV exposure.
The important role of the ozone layer is described by option a, which states that it absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. The ozone layer, which is a region of high ozone concentration located in the Earth's stratosphere, acts as a protective shield against UV rays by absorbing the majority of this harmful radiation.
To answer this question, you would need to have knowledge about the function of the ozone layer and how it interacts with UV radiation. The ozone layer absorbs most of the Sun's UV-B and all of the Sun's UV-C radiation, which are both harmful to living organisms. UV-B radiation, in particular, can cause various health issues such as skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune systems.
Understanding this, you can confidently choose option a as the correct answer, as it accurately describes the important role of the ozone layer in absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation.