Ultraviolet radiation

Explore how far the different types of ultraviolet radiation reach through the atmosphere.

You need to have the Flash Player installed and javascript enabled in your browser in order to view the activity.

Text version

Ultraviolet A (UVA) – passes through the atmosphere freely, and also penetrates deeply into the skin causing damage to the cells
Ultraviolet B (UVB) – partially blocked (85%) by the ozone layer, does not penetrate as deeply into the skin causing sunburn
Ultraviolet C (UVC) – highly dangerous but stopped by the ozone layer