Arctic spring will likely result in a new record for the size of the ozone hole

Science : Ozone loss in the stratosphere is primarily dependent on atmospheric pollutants, air temperature, and sunlight intensity. This winter, the Arctic has experienced record cold temperatures in the stratosphere due to a strong polar vortex. The stratosphere’s extended period of cold has resulted in a larger-than-average buildup of nitric acid, one of the primary catalysts of ozone-depleting reactions. If the vortex’s presence continues into the early weeks of spring when sunlight returns, researchers predict that the resulting ozone loss will set the record for the largest ozone hole yet observed in the Arctic. If that happens, the amount of UV light reaching populated areas in high northern latitudes could be significantly higher than they are used to experiencing in March. Those levels of UV light wouldn’t exceed normal levels seen elsewhere on Earth, but they would be unusual in those regions at that time of year.