There are three layers of ozone molecules surrounding the Earth. The troposphere layer is 8-15 km. in height above Earth and is the atmosphere where clouds form and precipitation occurs. The ozone here is bad and is a harmful pollutant, damaging lung tissue and plants needed to produce oxygen for breathing. The middle layer is the stratosphere which is about 24 km. above the Earth and has good ozones that act as a shield protecting us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Without this shield, humans would be more susceptible to skin cancer, cataracts, and impaired immune systems. The outer layer is the mesosphere, which is the turbulent layer comprised of meteroic dust and ice crystals. Meteors are usually absorbed in this layer.

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Curator: Tom.Benson@grc.nasa.gov
Responsible Official: Kathy.Zona@grc.nasa.gov