Use a computer algebra system to graph I(a), I '(a) and I ''(a).
As you think about answers to the questions that follow, remember that oxygen, O2, consumes light energy and it does this most efficiently at 240 nm to form ozone, O3. It is this process (as well as others that are not part of this project) that allows ozone to filter out ultraviolet radiation. When looking at I(a), consider where light of that intensity is filtered out. Of special note is that ozone filters ultraviolet radiation most effectively in the middle of the ozone layer.
Answer each of the following questions with reasonable estimates, and justify your answers by citing information from your three graphs.
- At what altitude does the photon flux reach a steady state?
- Where does photon flux change most rapidly?
- What do your answers to questions 1 and 2 tell you about the ozone layer?
