What is the primary purpose of the ozone layer?

The primary purpose of the ozone layer is to protect the Earth from harmful UV radiation. The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere and consists of a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules. These molecules absorb the majority of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C rays, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues in living organisms, as well as negative effects on ecosystems.

By filtering out these dangerous rays, the ozone layer plays a crucial role in safeguarding life on Earth. This protective function is vital for both human health and the health of various biological systems, including plants and animals. In contrast, while the regulation of Earth's temperature and the provision of oxygen are important environmental functions, they are not the primary role of the ozone layer. The ozone layer does not directly provide oxygen, nor does it facilitate weather patterns; those processes are influenced by other atmospheric layers and mechanisms.