Ozone hole is the area where

Options

A. ozone is absent
B. thick layer of ozone is present
C. thinning of ozone occurs
D. none of the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Ozone Layer**: The ozone layer is a region of Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃) molecules. It plays a crucial role in absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

2. **Definition of Ozone Hole**: The term "ozone hole" refers to a specific area in the ozone layer where the concentration of ozone has significantly decreased, leading to a "thinning" of the ozone layer.

3. **Causes of Ozone Depletion**: The primary cause of the ozone hole is the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances into the atmosphere. These chemicals break down ozone molecules when they are exposed to UV radiation.

4. **Impact of Ozone Depletion**: The thinning of the ozone layer allows more UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, which can lead to increased skin cancer rates, cataracts, and other health issues, as well as negative impacts on ecosystems.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the ozone hole is defined as the area where there is a significant thinning of the ozone layer, primarily caused by human-made chemicals like CFCs.

**Final Answer**: The ozone hole is the area where there is a significant thinning of the ozone layer due to the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

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