The objectives of this laboratory module are to examine distribution of ozone in the atmosphere, and determine what chemicals and mechanisms can contribute to ozone destruction and how Antarctic ozone concentrations have been changing. Ozone exists in the upper atmosphere from the reaction between sunlight and molecular oxygen. Two ozone peaks occur in the upper atmosphere, one at 22 km and the other at the surface. Skin cancer has been linked to exposure to UV light.
Ozone is destroyed naturally by reaction with UV radiation, and by reactions with atomic oxygen.