Early discovery of the ozone problem dates back to 1881. .
W.N. Hartley discovered that Ultra-Violet light reaches earth with little impediment. He realized that UV-B was partly absorbed, while UV-A entered freely. This was later attributed to the level of ozone at high altitudes.
In 1924, Dobson created a spectrophotometer to measure the ratio between UV-A and UV-B. Dobson created the spectrophotometer to predict weather. While trying to measure seasonal variations, he noticed UV ratio variations. Inadvertently, he created the first measure of ozone levels. This was accomplished by documenting the difference between the unimpeded UV-A with that of the absorbed UV-B.
Ratio variations became the focus of study. The discrepancy was a mystery because all the compounds discovered were stable. A compound is stable when it has an even number of electrons. A compound with an uneven number of electrons is called a free radical. Free radicals are unstable and were not detectable until a later time when technological advances were made.
It took over a hundred years to fully understand what ozone is. The ozone is a protective layer that absorbs UV-B. Ozone is a simple molecule consisting of three bound oxygen atoms forming a triangular shape. It is created both naturally and as a result of mankind's pollution. New molecules are naturally created from radiant energy splitting oxygen (O2). Each oxygen molecule bonds with the nearest oxygen after the sun's energy breaks oxygen apart. The second method is by burning fossil fuels. This dirty method also provides the necessary reaction to bind the 3 oxygen molecules. It, however, creates smog. This type is a pollutant and is very damaging to agriculture and public health.
The ratio of ozone to other air molecules is 3 to 10 million. Although rare, ozone plays a vital role to earth's prolonged existence. Ozone is actually found in two distinct areas. The two types of ozone have drastically different effects.
