The Earth's oceans absorb a significant portion of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing it from reaching the stratosphere, where ozone depletion occurs.

The absorption of UV radiation by the oceans reduces the amount of energy available for the photolysis of oxygen molecules, which is a crucial step in the formation of ozone in the stratosphere.

Tropical regions receive the highest levels of solar radiation and have clearer waters, allowing for deeper penetration of UV radiation, resulting in more effective absorption.

Phytoplankton release dimethyl sulfide (DMS) into the atmosphere, which undergoes chemical reactions to form sulfate aerosols. These aerosols scatter UV radiation, reducing its intensity and protecting the stratospheric ozone layer.

Warmer ocean temperatures accelerate the release of ozone-depleting substances from the oceans into the atmosphere, contributing to ozone depletion.

Industrial activities, particularly those involving the production and use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances, are the primary source of these compounds in the Earth's oceans.

Stratospheric injection refers to the upward transport of ozone-depleting substances from the troposphere to the stratosphere, where ozone depletion occurs.

The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere, is the region of the atmosphere where ozone depletion primarily occurs.

Ozone depletion leads to increased UV radiation reaching the ocean surface, which can harm marine organisms, reduce primary productivity, and disrupt marine ecosystems.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international agreement designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.

The Montreal Protocol aims to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, thereby protecting the ozone layer and mitigating its depletion.

The Montreal Protocol targets the phase-out of various ozone-depleting substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

Since the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, the rate of ozone depletion has slowed down significantly, and there are signs of recovery in the ozone layer.

Fully eliminating ozone depletion faces challenges such as illegal production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, the long atmospheric lifetimes of these substances, and ongoing emissions from natural sources.

Based on current projections, the ozone layer is expected to recover to pre-depletion levels by the middle of the 22nd century, assuming continued compliance with the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.