What is the ozone layer primarily responsible for?

The ozone layer is primarily responsible for absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This layer, located in the stratosphere, contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules that are effective at trapping most of the sun's harmful UV radiation. By absorbing these rays, the ozone layer protects living organisms on Earth from potential damage, such as skin cancer and cataracts in humans, as well as harm to ecosystems.

While maintaining sea temperature, generating oxygen, and regulating climate patterns are important processes in the Earth’s system, they are not the primary functions of the ozone layer. The unique ability of the ozone layer to filter out harmful UV radiation is crucial for sustaining life as we know it, making this option the most accurate representation of the layer's primary responsibility.