Which scientists contributed to the determination of how CFCs

Subject : Biology

Question:

Which scientists contributed to the determination of how CFCs in clouds in the upper atmosphere could destroy ozone molecules?

Expert Verified Solution:

Description:

Several scientists played pivotal roles in determining how chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in clouds in the upper atmosphere could destroy ozone molecules. The key contributors were Mario Molina, F. Sherwood Rowland, and Paul Crutzen.

1. Mario Molina and F. Sherwood Rowland were the first to propose that CFCs, once released into the atmosphere, would eventually reach the stratosphere, where they would be broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms could then catalytically destroy ozone molecules, leading to significant ozone depletion.

2. Paul Crutzen made significant contributions to the understanding of nitrogen oxides’ role in ozone depletion and provided foundational work that supported Molina and Rowland’s findings.

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