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Ozone Hole Width vs Ozone Concentrations Ozone is a molecule consisting of three

ID: 3250478 • Letter: O

Question

Ozone Hole Width vs Ozone Concentrations Ozone is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms (O3); the ordinary oxygen that we breathe is a molecule consisting of two oxygen atoms (O2). The ozone layer is a concentration of ozone in the stratosphere, the shell of our atmosphere that extends from about 10 to 50 km. The ozone layer is vital to life on earth, because the layer helps protect the earth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Excessive UV radiation can lead to increased rates of skin cancer and cataracts, and to weakened immune system, reduced crop yields, and other harmful effects. Since the early 1970s, scientists have been concerned about depletions in the ozone layer, caused by the release of certain man-made chemicals, primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Over Antarctica, during certain periods of the year, the ozone thinning is so severe that the term ozone hole is used. In 1978, the use of CFC propellants in spray cans was banned in the US. In 1987, an international agreement, known as the Montreal Protocol, was negotiated. This agreement commits signatory countries to the reduction and eventual elimination of CFCs. Measuring the depletion of the ozone layer caused by CFCs and other chemicals is statistically very challenging, because of the complexity of the processes involved and because of natural variations in the ozone layer. Using the data taken from NASA and ESA satellite imagery in the workbook

1. In the Excel workbook calculate the correlation coefficient for this data using the appropriate nonparametric method.

2. What test did you use? Why?

3. Is there evidence to suggest that there is a significant correlation between minimum ozone concentration and the mean ozone hole size? Justify your answer. Data for this:

Year Mean Hole Size x million km2 Minimum Ozone concentration Dobson Units 1979 0.1 225 1980 1.4 203 1981 0.6 209.5 1982 4.8 185 1983 7.9 172.9 1984 10.1 163.6 1985 14.2 146.5 1986 11.3 157.8 1987 19.3 123 1988 10 171 1989 18.7 127 1990 19.2 124.2 1991 18.8 119 1992 22.3 114.3 1993 24.2 112.6 1994 23.6 92.3 1996 22.7 108.8 1997 22.1 108.8 1998 25.9 98.8 1999 23.2 102.9 2000 24.8 98.7 2001 25 100.9 2002 12 157.4 2003 25.8 108.7 2004 19.5 123.5 2005 24.4 113.8 2006 26.6 98.2 2007 22 116.2 2008 25.2 114.1 2009 22 107.5 2010 19.4 128 2011 24.7 106.2 2012 17.8 139.1 2013 21 132 2014 20.9 128.6 2015 25.6 101

Explanation / Answer

Correlation coefficient = -0.9808

therefore there is a negative correlation, i.e mean hole size increases then minimum ozone cncentration deceases or mean hole size decreases then minimum ozone concentration increases.