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TMHFPolska · 06-22-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistress Vondella

The other half of the study will look at the possible biological aftermath of an astrophysical firework going off nearby.

Gamma rays and X-rays cannot penetrate very far into the Earth's atmosphere, but they still can have a long-lasting impact. The high-energy radiation breaks apart nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the Earth's stratosphere, allowing them to reform as nitric oxide (NO). This molecule destroys ozone in the same way that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) do.

"The effect is like the current ozone hole, but spread over the globe," Thomas says.

Ozone protects life on Earth from the sun's ultraviolet rays. By shattering this atmospheric shield, an astrophysical blast could lead to higher rates of DNA and protein damage in organisms from greater sunlight exposure.

Thomas' group has previously determined that a relatively close GRB could destroy 75 percent of the ozone in certain regions, with a globally averaged depletion of around 35 to 40 percent. In contrast, the ozone hole that currently hovers over Antarctica is at most 60 percent depleted but only accounts for a globally-averaged depletion of 3 to 5 percent.

Thomas says that the ozone destruction would begin as soon as the radiation hits, and would continue for several years. It may take more than a decade for the Earth's ozone shield to return to full strength.

Hayley's head was hurting from all this information.

"Professor, what happens to US if the radiation hits the Ozone and depletes it?"

06-22-2009, 07:26 PM	#35 (permalink)
TMHFPolska Puffskein Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: In Phil's Pocket Posts: 1,807 Hogwarts RPG Name: Hayley Evans Fourth Year	Life Saverr! \| \| Flarby Doodie! Quote: Originally Posted by Mistress Vondella The other half of the study will look at the possible biological aftermath of an astrophysical firework going off nearby. Gamma rays and X-rays cannot penetrate very far into the Earth's atmosphere, but they still can have a long-lasting impact. The high-energy radiation breaks apart nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the Earth's stratosphere, allowing them to reform as nitric oxide (NO). This molecule destroys ozone in the same way that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) do. "The effect is like the current ozone hole, but spread over the globe," Thomas says. Ozone protects life on Earth from the sun's ultraviolet rays. By shattering this atmospheric shield, an astrophysical blast could lead to higher rates of DNA and protein damage in organisms from greater sunlight exposure. Thomas' group has previously determined that a relatively close GRB could destroy 75 percent of the ozone in certain regions, with a globally averaged depletion of around 35 to 40 percent. In contrast, the ozone hole that currently hovers over Antarctica is at most 60 percent depleted but only accounts for a globally-averaged depletion of 3 to 5 percent. Thomas says that the ozone destruction would begin as soon as the radiation hits, and would continue for several years. It may take more than a decade for the Earth's ozone shield to return to full strength. Hayley's head was hurting from all this information. "Professor, what happens to US if the radiation hits the Ozone and depletes it?" __________________ <creativity pending>