The Chemistry and Physics of Stratospheric Ozone

Abstract

Perhaps no other environmental issue has captured as much widespread public interest and concern as stratospheric ozone depletion due to man‐made chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Increasing scientific understanding of the connections between CFCs and global‐scale ozone changes, highlighted by observations of dramatic ozone loss in the Antarctic, has led to a landmark international treaty and subsequent treaty amendments. As outgrowths of these developments, stratospheric ozone depletion has found its way into science fiction fare and the term “ozone hole” has become part of the English lexicon.