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Ozone Layer Improving Faster Than Expected

SpaceAdmiral writes "Since the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, which limited ozone-destroying gasses like CFCs, the Earth's ozone layer has been recovering. However, new studies show that the ozone in the lower stratosphere is actually recovering faster than the Montreal Protocol alone can explain." From the article: "It's a complicated question. CFCs are not the only things that can influence the ozone layer; sunspots, volcanoes and weather also play a role. Ultraviolet rays from sunspots boost the ozone layer, while sulfurous gases emitted by some volcanoes can weaken it. Cold air in the stratosphere can either weaken or boost the ozone layer, depending on altitude and latitude. These processes and others are laid out in a review just published in the May 4th issue of Nature: 'The search for signs of recovery of the ozone layer' by Elizabeth Westhead and Signe Andersen."

7 of 325 comments (clear)

  1. Thanks HP by Uukrul · · Score: 3, Funny

    That's because HP printers have Ozone Emissions. Thanks HP for saving the World.

    --
    My city: Barcelona.
  2. Does this mean by Zane+Hopkins · · Score: 3, Funny

    that geeks have lost their only excuse for not using deodorant ?

  3. Re:Unexplained phenomenons by letto · · Score: 2, Funny

    Exactly.
    But why do these guys try to "heal" the ozone layer? Didn't they see "The Matrix" or Highlander III. If these guys knew shit they would destroy the ozon layer and build a black cloud around the world.

    Then surrounded by thick smoke , gases and eating toxic food we will find ourselves in a medium in wich we would really evolve. Maby even in some MutantX kind of way!?

    Well, all those people who have nothing better to do than mindlessly walk around in the open all day as if the sun was there to shine on they're asses wouldn't be too happy about it. But this wouldn't be a problem for us slashdotters who sit in front of the computer wouldn't it??

  4. Re:science wrong so science wins by sahrss · · Score: 2, Funny

    Oops mis-clicked my mod on you as Redundant when I wanted Insightful...hopefully this post clears the mod and I get modded down for being dumb.

  5. Photocopier Fumes by celardore · · Score: 4, Funny

    Apparently the fumes given off by photocopiers are Ozone. I'm doing my bit for the enviroment by copying documents at work unnessecarily.

    My boss says it's a waste of time and money though. He doesn't give a shit about the enviroment I guess.

  6. Re:Unexplained phenomenons by Bacon+Bits · · Score: 4, Funny

    Actually, it has been mainly thoguh the No Atmospheric Layer Left Behind program that the Ozone Layer has improved as rapidly as it has.

    --
    The road to tyranny has always been paved with claims of necessity.
  7. Re:This brought to you by... by tie_guy_matt · · Score: 2, Funny

    God? Everyone knows it is really the Flying Spaghetti Monster that controls these things. If we would just increase the number of pirates in the world (http://www.venganza.org/) then global warming would reverse!