UV-B Radiation and the Photosynthetic Process

Abstract

Continuing decreases in stratospheric ozone have been documented and it is postulated that this may result in a greater proportion of shortwave ultraviolet radiation (UV-B, 290–320 nm) reaching the earth’s surface. The on-going enlargement of the hole in the ozone in the Antarctic is a particular cause for concern, since the geographical region over which this ozone-poor air extends continues to increase. In addition, a lesser ozone hole has also been reported over the Arctic region during springtime (Pyle 1991). The amount of UV-B radiation received at the earth’s surface will depend on a number of ground factors, not least of which is the level of tropospheric ozone and other pollutants.