Magnetic storms cannot destroy the Earth’s ozone layer, Professor Nikolai Elansky, Associate Member of the IFA RAS, told socialbites.ca.
Previously, St. Petersburg State University and other Russian universities, together with colleagues from the Davos Physical and Meteorological Observatory proventhat one-day geomagnetic storms could destroy a quarter of the Earth’s ozone layer.
“The ozone layer is in the outer stratosphere, and magnetic storms affect the chemical composition of the upper atmosphere – much higher than the ozone layer – in the ionosphere and upper mesosphere. Of course the effect could happen, but only with a very strong magnetic storm followed by an estimated 1-2% of this destruction. It is unimportant, ”explained the professor.
Yelansky also emphasized that the destruction of the ozone layer is very dangerous. It protects the planet from short-wave ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, high doses of which are harmful to all living things. They damage the skin, eyes and other systems and organs of the body.
“But it would have to be heavily impacted to destroy the ozone layer in a way that would become extremely dangerous for us. So far this is not expected, ”the expert concluded.