Ozone depletion is due to the high levels of chlorine and bromine compounds in the __________.

The correct answer is stratosphere.

Key Points

• The stratosphere is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, just above the troposphere and below the mesosphere.
• The ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation, is found in the stratosphere.
• Ozone depletion occurs primarily due to man-made chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other related chemicals.
• The depletion of the ozone layer increases the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which can lead to higher rates of skin cancer and cataracts.

Additional Information

• Mesosphere: The mesosphere is the third layer of the Earth's atmosphere, situated above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere. It is where most meteorites burn up upon entering Earth's atmosphere.
• Thermosphere: The thermosphere is the layer of the Earth's atmosphere directly above the mesosphere and below the exosphere. It is characterized by high temperatures caused by the absorption of highly energetic solar radiation.
• Troposphere: The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere. It is where most of the Earth's weather occurs. The troposphere contains approximately 75% of the atmosphere's mass and 99% of its water vapour and aerosols.