How does ozone depletion relate to UV exposure at the Earth's surface?

• A. Ozone has no effect on UV exposure
• B. A decrease in ozone leads to higher UV exposure at the surface
• C. UV exposure decreases ozone levels but increases climate warmth
• D. Ozone depletion reduces UV exposure, protecting skin

Answer: (B)

UV radiation from the sun is partially absorbed by the ozone layer in the stratosphere, which acts as a protective shield, especially for the more harmful UV-B radiation. When ozone levels drop, less UV is absorbed and more of it reaches the Earth's surface. This means higher UV exposure at ground level, increasing risks like skin cancer, cataracts, immune suppression, and damage to ecosystems. So, a decrease in ozone leads to higher UV exposure at the surface. The idea that ozone has no effect, that depletion somehow reduces UV exposure, or that depletion somehow warms climate directly while protecting skin doesn’t fit the shield-and-absorption relationship.