Atmosphere

 In the Ozone layer or also called the stratosphere, ozone is created and destroyed predominantly by ultraviolet radiation.  These ultraviolet rays from the sun are constantly disturbing the air in the stratosphere.  When high energy ultraviolet rays bombard molecules of normal oxygen (O2), they split the molecule into two single oxygen atoms, known as atomic oxygen.  A freed oxygen atom then can knock into an oxygen molecule (O2), and form a molecule of ozone (O3).  This process of ozone production and destruction, commenced by ultraviolet radiation is often referred to as the "Chapman Reactions."

Scientist who have been researching ozone, have found that ozone levels change periodically as part of regular natural cycles like the changing of seasons, sun and wind cycles.  Some research has introduced the idea that volcanic eruptions may inject materials into the stratosphere that can destroy ozone.

Ozone depletion is a serious problem that the world is facing.  The phrase "ozone depletion" means more than just the natural destruction of ozone, it means that ozone loss is exceeding ozone creation.  As the worlds population grows and technology advances the amount of ozone destroying compounds increases, resulting in ozone depletion.  With less ozone out there (in the stratosphere) that means the level of ozone protecting us from ultraviolet radiation decreases.  This problem has more noticeably affected the ozone over Antarctica.  The levels of ozone drop so low that scientists have observed what they call a "hole" in the ozone layer.

Ozone also forms in the atmosphere when nitrogen oxides and organic gases are emitted from automobiles and industrial sources. Smog is the actual product of the chemical reaction, but ozone is a byproduct of the reaction.  The ozone produced by smog may have a positive effect by oxidizing the chemicals that create it.  In spite of this, this sort of ozone is hazardous to ones health, and it may cause serious crop damage.

Nitrogen oxides combine with volatile organic compounds to form ozone, which scientist believe to cause respiratory sicknesses such as bronchitis and asthma. 

~Most ozone is concentrated below a 30-mile height.