Final answer:
The stratospheric ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface and protecting living organisms from its harmful effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stratospheric ozone acts as an atmospheric shield that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, specifically in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The ozone layer is essential because it prevents most of the sun's harmful high-energy radiation, such as UVB, from reaching the Earth's surface. UVB radiation is known to cause a variety of harmful effects, including skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to crops and marine life.
Due to certain anthropogenic pollutants, the ozone layer has been depleting, leading to an increase in the amount of UV radiation reaching us. The ozone molecules in the stratosphere absorb UV light in a cycle of chemical reactions, where oxygen molecules are turned into ozone and back to oxygen again. This absorption of UV radiation by ozone is crucial in stopping the radiation's harmful effects on living organisms.
Hence, the answer to the question about the function of the stratospheric ozone acting as an atmospheric blind in the ultraviolet region is: a) It absorbs ultraviolet radiation.