What does the ozone layer protect the Earth from?

The ozone layer primarily protects the Earth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This layer, located in the stratosphere, absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful UV rays, preventing them from reaching the Earth's surface in significant amounts. UV radiation can cause a range of adverse effects, including skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues, as well as detrimental impacts on various ecosystems.

While other choices involve different environmental phenomena, they do not pertain specifically to the protection provided by the ozone layer. Infrared radiation is part of the broader electromagnetic spectrum and is not absorbed by ozone in the same way as UV radiation. High-pressure winds are meteorological phenomena that do not relate to ozone's protective capabilities. Radioactive particles are a concern for environmental and health safety, but they are not influenced by the ozone layer. Thus, the role of the ozone layer in absorbing UV radiation is crucial for protecting life on Earth.