Ozone, despite having a higher molecular mass than oxygen and CO2, is primarily found in the upper atmosphere due to its formation through photochemical reactions driven by strong solar radiation. Although denser gases typically gravitate towards the ground, the dynamic nature of the atmosphere, influenced by temperature variations and wind, allows for mixing that disrupts simple stratification by molecular weight. Ozone is unstable and continuously created and broken down in the upper atmosphere, where the conditions favor its formation. At ground level, ozone is less prevalent and considered a pollutant due to its oxidizing properties, as the intensity of solar radiation is reduced by the atmosphere. The discussion highlights the complex interplay between atmospheric chemistry and physical processes that determine gas distribution.
