Final answer:
The ozone layer is concentrated in the stratosphere and serves as a protective shield by absorbing harmful UV rays from the sun, preventing damage to living organisms and the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The naturally occurring ozone layer is concentrated in the stratosphere, which is a part of Earth's atmosphere. This ozone layer is crucial as it acts as a protective screen, absorbing the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, particularly UVB radiation that can cause harm to living organisms on our planet. The stratosphere extends from about 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface, where approximately 1015 ozone molecules per liter can be found.
The importance of the ozone layer cannot be overstated as it shields Earth from most of the sun's harmful UV radiation. This helps in preventing DNA damage in living organisms, thus reducing the risk of skin cancers, cataracts, and harm to crops and marine life. UV light is absorbed by ozone via a chemical decomposition reaction, safeguarding our environment and health.
In summary, the stratosphere is where the beneficial ozone layer is located, serving a vital role in protecting life on Earth by filtering out potentially damaging UV radiation.