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The ozone hole is a large seasonal decrease in stratospheric ozone over polar regions, particularly Antarctica.
The ozone hole is the pronounced seasonal thinning of stratospheric ozone over Earth’s polar regions, especially Antarctica. It is one part of ozone depletion, which also includes the broader long-term reduction in total ozone throughout the upper atmosphere. The term does not describe a completely empty region but rather a substantial decrease in the total column of ozone, commonly measured in Dobson units. The most severe polar ozone loss occurs during the Antarctic spring, when ozone levels can be 40–70% lower than pre-ozone-hole values. Cold polar stratospheric clouds provide surfaces that convert chlorine and bromine from human-made ozone-depleting substances, such as CFCs and halons, into highly reactive forms. When sunlight returns in spring, these chemicals catalytically destroy ozone. The Arctic can also experience springtime depletion, although it is generally more variable and less severe than in Antarctica.
The ozone hole is a large seasonal decrease in stratospheric ozone over polar regions, particularly Antarctica.
Antarctic ozone loss is greatest during spring and has reached approximately 40–70% below pre-ozone-hole levels.
Cold polar stratospheric clouds and returning spring sunlight activate chlorine and bromine, which rapidly catalyze ozone destruction.
The Arctic also experiences springtime ozone depletion, but it is usually more variable and less intense than Antarctic depletion.
A region and season of unusually severe thinning of stratospheric ozone, especially over Antarctica.
Ozone in the stratosphere that forms the ozone layer and absorbs much of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.
The seasonal loss of polar stratospheric ozone that occurs when sunlight returns after the dark, extremely cold polar winter.
Very cold stratospheric clouds that promote chemical reactions converting chlorine and bromine into ozone-destroying forms.
Human-made chemicals, including CFCs and halons, that release chlorine or bromine in the stratosphere and catalytically destroy ozone.
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