Ecological and nonhuman biological effects of solar UV-B radiation

Technical Report · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5838561

Worrest, R C

Recent studies regarding the impact of UV-B radiation upon ecological and nonhuman biological systems is the subject of the report. For years scientists and laymen alike have causally noted the impact of solar ultraviolet radiation upon the nonhuman component of the biosphere. Stratospheric ozone functions effectively as an ultraviolet screen by filtering out solar radiation in the 220-320 nm waveband as it penetrates through the atmosphere, thus allowing only small amounts of the longer wavelengths of radiation in the waveband to leak through to the surface of the earth. Although this radiation (UV-B radiation, 290-320 nm) comprises only a small fraction (lesser tha 1%) of the total solar spectrum, it can have a major impact on biological systems due to its actinic nature. Many organic molecules, most notably DNA, absorb UV-B radiation which can initiate photochemical reactions. It is life's ability, or lack thereof, to cope with enhanced levels of solar UV-B radiation that has generated concern over the potential depletion of stratospheric ozone.

• Research Organization: Oregon State Univ., Corvallis (USA). Dept. of General Science
• OSTI ID: 5838561
• Report Number(s): PB-88-106372/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560140* -- Radiation Effects on Plants
560152 -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Animals
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL STRESS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
MEETINGS
OZONE
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
SOLAR RADIATION
STELLAR RADIATION
STRATOSPHERE
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION