atmospheric ozone
nounUK /ˌæt.məsˈfer.ɪk ˈəʊ.zəʊn/
US /ˌæt.məsˈfɪr.ɪk ˈoʊ.zoʊn/
A layer of gas high in the sky that protects us from the sun's harmful rays.
Scientists study atmospheric ozone to understand how the Earth's protective shield is changing.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Ozone gas found in the lower atmosphere, where it can be a harmful pollutant.
Ground-level atmospheric ozone can make it hard to breathe on hot, smoggy days.
3. The concentration of ozone measured in a particular region of the air.
The monitor recorded high atmospheric ozone levels near the city center.
4. Ozone produced naturally in the upper air that absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet light.
Without atmospheric ozone, more UV light would reach the ground and harm living things.