Upper Atmosphere

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The upper atmosphere and stratospheric processes

We need to know about the chemical and physical processes taking place in and around the ozone layer to fully understand how important the stratosphere is for our life and what influence we have on it.

In this 'Read more' section we look at the dynamics of the stratosphere and the impact of aeroplane emissions.  We then concentrate on the chemistry of the ozone layer and on the role chlorofluorocarbons. 

Finally we try to clear up one of the great misunderstandings in climate science and look the differences between global warming and ozone depletion.

1. Dynamics of the stratosphere and aviation

 - Dynamics of the stratosphere
 - Aviation: development and climate impact
 * Worksheet 1: Quiz about aviation and climate
 * Worksheet 2: Transport, CFCs and ozone decomposition

2. Ozone, chloroflurocarbons and the ozone hole

 - Stratospheric ozone: history, formation and absorption
 - Chlorine chemistry and ozone hole formation
 - Chlorofluorocarbons and hydrogenchlorofluorocarbons
 - Ozone hole and global warming - sources of misunderstandings
 - Stratospheric cooling
 * Worksheet 1: Two-chamber-photoreactor of the atmosphere
 * Worksheet 2: Stratospheric ozone - formation, distribution, absorption