| CEOS EO HANDBOOK – MEASUREMENTS
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Measurements > Atmosphere >
Ozone
  | Ozone (O3) is a relatively unstable molecule, and although it represents only a tiny fraction of the atmosphere, it is crucial for life on Earth. Depending on its location, ozone can protect or harm life on Earth. Most ozone resides in the stratosphere, where it acts as a shield to protect the surface from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. In the troposphere, ozone is a harmful pollutant which causes damage to lung tissue and plants. | |
| Detailed Measurement | Description* | Instruments | Timeline |
O3 Mole Fraction
Link:   | 3D field of the amount of O3 (Ozone, expressed in moles) divided by the total amount of all constituents in air (also expressed in moles) - Resolution Units km | 44 instruments | |
O3 Total Column
Link: | 2D field of total amount of O3 molecules per unit area in an atmospheric column extending from the Earth’s surface to the upper edge of the atmosphere (Dobson units) - Measuring Units [ DU ], Dobson Unit, for total column (1 DU = 2.69٠1020 molecules/m2) - Accuracy unit: [DU] | 4 instruments | |
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* Description adapted from WMO.
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