Aimnova
DashboardMy LearningStudy Plan

Stay in the loop

Study tips, product updates, and early access to new features.

Aimnova

AI-powered IB study platform with personalised plans, instant feedback, and examiner-style marking.

IB Subjects

  • IB Diploma
  • All IB Subjects
  • IB ESS
  • IB Business Management
  • Grade Calculator
  • Exam Timetable 2026
  • ESS Predictions
  • BM Predictions

Study Resources

  • Free Study Notes
  • Revision Guide
  • Flashcards
  • ESS Question Bank
  • BM Question Bank
  • Mock Exams
  • Exam Skills
  • Command Terms

Company

  • Features
  • Pricing
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Cookies

© 2026 Aimnova. All rights reserved.

Made with 💜 for IB students worldwide

NotesESS HLTopic 6.4
Unit 6 · Atmosphere and Climate Change · Topic 6.4

IB ESS HL — Stratospheric ozone

HL Topic 6.4 extends the study of ozone depletion with more detailed atmospheric chemistry, quantitative analysis of ozone trends, and deeper evaluation of the Montreal Protocol as a model for international environmental governance.

6.4 FlashcardsExam technique guidePractice questions

Key concepts in Stratospheric ozone

Key Idea: Topic 6.4 explains the **ozone layer** (good ozone in the stratosphere vs bad ozone at ground level), why ozone protects life from **UV**, how **CFCs/halons** destroy ozone via catalytic cycles, and why the **Montreal Protocol** is a landmark success.

🟦 Good ozone vs bad ozone

Stratosphere (GOOD): Absorbs UV-B/UV-C. Protects DNA and ecosystems. We want MORE of this.

Troposphere (BAD): Smog pollutant. Respiratory irritant. Damages plants.

🧪 Ozone depletion mechanism

🕳️ The ozone hole (why Antarctica)

🤝 Montreal Protocol (why it worked)

Evaluation move: explain **why ozone was easier** than climate (fewer industries, clearer substitutes, smaller economic reach).

✅ Exam Checklist

What you'll learn in Topic 6.4

  • 6.4.1 The ozone layer
  • 6.4.2 Ozone depletion
  • 6.4.3 The Montreal Protocol

Exam relevance

At Higher Level, ESS includes an extended essay component and deeper analytical questioning. Expect longer data-response questions and more complex case study scenarios in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Suggested study order: Read the notes for each sub-topic below → test yourself with flashcards → attempt practice questions → review exam technique.

Study resources — 6.4 Stratospheric ozone

6.4.1

The ozone layer

NotesFlashcards
6.4.2

Ozone depletion

NotesFlashcards
6.4.3

The Montreal Protocol

NotesFlashcards

Ready to study Stratospheric ozone?

Get AI-powered practice questions, personalised feedback, and a study planner tailored to your IB ESS HL exam date.

Start studying free

Topic 6.4 Stratospheric ozone forms a core part of Unit 6: Atmosphere and Climate Change in IB ESS HL. Mastering these concepts will strengthen your understanding of connected topics across the syllabus and prepare you for exam questions that require analysis, evaluation, and real-world application.

Frequently asked questions

What does Topic 6.4 Stratospheric ozone cover in IB ESS?
Topic 6.4 covers stratospheric ozone as part of the IB ESS syllabus. Students learn key concepts, definitions, and real-world examples that are tested in Paper 1 and Paper 2 exams.
How should I revise Stratospheric ozone for IB ESS exams?
Start by reading the micro-topic notes to understand each concept, then use flashcards to memorise key terms. Practise exam-style questions to apply your knowledge under timed conditions and review the marking criteria.
Previous topic
6.3 Climate change—mitigation and adaptation
Next topic
7.1 Natural resources—uses and management
All ESS HL topics
Topic flashcardsExam technique

Ready to practice?

Get AI-graded practice questions, mock exams, flashcards, and a personalised study plan — all aligned to your IB syllabus.

Start Studying Free

No credit card required · Cancel anytime