What is the main function of the ozone layer?

The main function of the ozone layer is to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This layer, primarily located in the stratosphere, absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful UV-B and UV-C rays, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues, as well as detrimental effects on ecosystems and wildlife. By filtering out these dangerous rays, the ozone layer plays a critical role in protecting life on Earth.

In contrast, while oxygen is essential for life, it is not the direct function of the ozone layer to provide it; oxygen is primarily produced through photosynthesis by plants. The regulation of climate is influenced by many factors, including greenhouse gases, ocean currents, and solar radiation, but the ozone layer’s notable impact is specifically related to UV radiation absorption rather than climate regulation itself. Supporting weather patterns is largely the function of the atmosphere, which includes various layers and processes involving air movement and temperature, rather than the specific role of the ozone layer.