I have written a laymans guide to scientific modelling which can aid you in understanding some of the applications and limitations of modeling. Some of the controversies surrounding the science and theories of ozone depletion are summarized here. Brief glossary of some of the terms and concepts used when discussing ozone depletion. A summary of the ozone depletion issue, below, with highlighted terms that you can click on for further information. Increased UV radiation in the lower atmosphere, called the troposphere, can result in increased amounts of photochemical smog.
Photochemical smog is already a health hazard in many of the world's largest cities.
The decrease of stratospheric ozone was first reported in 1974 and the decrease was quickly linked to the increasing presence of a class of manmade compounds called CFC's or Chlorofluorocarbons . Many countries of the world have moved to reduce the use of CFC's but because of the slow rate of air mixing between the lower and upper atmosphere it is theorized that stratospheric CFC's will stay at a significant level well into the next century. Stratospheric ozone depletion has become very much a controversial political and economic issue as well as a complex scientific issue. Scientific models of the atmosphere are being constructed in order to assist scientists in looking for other factors in Ozone depletion, evaluate their importance and predict what may happen to our atmosphere in the future. This file may be copied, distributed and archived but all copies must include this caveat as well.