Ozone depletion tends to cause what change in the stratosphere?

• A. Increased surface temperature
• B. Increased stratospheric temperature
• C. Decreased stratospheric temperature
• D. No change

Answer: (C)

Ozone in the stratosphere not only blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation but also heats the surrounding air by absorbing that UV energy. When ozone is depleted, less UV radiation is absorbed in the stratosphere, so the heating that normally comes from this absorption diminishes and the stratosphere becomes cooler. This direct cooling effect is the expected response to ozone loss. The surface temperature and overall climate can be influenced by many other factors, but the primary stratospheric change linked to ozone depletion is a decrease in stratospheric temperature.