The ozone layer, also known as the ozone shield, is a thin layer of ozone gas that surrounds the Earth's atmosphere. It is responsible for filtering out harmful Ultraviolet-B rays from the sun, which can cause skin cancer and other harmful diseases. Other synonyms for the ozone layer include the ozone blanket, the ozone screen, and the ozone umbrella. The ozone layer is one of the Earth's most important natural resources, and without it, life on Earth would be impossible. It is essential that we continue to protect and preserve this vital layer of the atmosphere for the benefit of future generations.