How does the depletion of the ozone layer affect atmospheric temperature?

• A. It increases stratospheric temperature
• B. It typically leads to a decrease in atmospheric temperature in the stratosphere.
• C. It has no effect on temperature
• D. It only affects surface temperature

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that ozone in the stratosphere absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun and converts some of that energy into heat, warming the stratosphere. When the ozone layer becomes thinner, less UV is absorbed there, so the stratosphere receives less heating and cools. This cooling is the most direct and notable temperature change produced by ozone depletion, while surface temperatures are governed more by greenhouse gases and other factors. So the depletion of the ozone layer tends to decrease stratospheric temperature. Some choices imply warming, no effect, or only surface effects, which don’t align with the primary radiative impact occurring in the stratosphere.