Description
Book SynopsisIn the stratosphere, ozone performs a vital role by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation and acting as a protective layer for life on Earth. Ultraviolet Reflections: Life Under a Thinning Ozone Layer examines the effects of increasing UV radiation on people, plants and animals. It takes the reader on a journey from the Antarctic ozone hole to the Arctic birch forest, to see how plankton and plants will fare against increasing UV radiation. We know the dangers for skin cancer, but this book also raises intriguing questions about the evolution of our immune system and uncovers scientific controversy in the discussion of eye disease. The accessible style of this book gives readers at all levels an insight into the complexities of how life has evolved to deal with the destructive power of the sun. Moreover, it gives the reader a chance to follow international policy, as well as current research in the field. The book is aimed at those who do not have time to follow the scientific literatur
Table of ContentsPreface and acknowledgements ix
Chapter 1 From Abisko to Antarctica 1
Chapter 2 Let There be Light 11
Chapter 3 Plankton Life Under the Ozone Hole 31
Chapter 4 Sun Catchers 47
Chapter 5 Elusive Threads in an Intricate Web 63
Chapter 6 A Breath of Fresh Air? 73
Chapter 7 Red Alert 79
Chapter 8 A Tricky Compromise 99
Chapter 9 Sensitive Sensors of Light 111
Chapter 10 Do Patagonian Sheep Need Sunglasses? 123
Chapter 11 Evolution of Knowledge 131
Sources 141
Index 149
