Ozone–oxygen cycle in the ozone layer.
<p>1. Oxygen molecules are photolyzed, yelding 2 oxygen atoms (SLOW)
</p><p>2. Ozone and oxygen atoms are continuosly being interconverted as solar UV breaks ozone and the oxygen atom reacts with another oxygen molecule (FAST)
</p><p>3. Ozone is lost by a reaction of the oxygen atom or the ozone molecule with each other, or some other trace gas such as chlorine (SLOW)
</p>
This interconversion process converts UV radiation into thermal energy, heating the stratosphere
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