Record low temperatures in Arctic ozone layer - causing ozone loss

[Evo]

It seems the colder artic winters have been causing ozone damage. Warmer weather stops the ozone damage.

Go Figure.

"The first signs of ozone loss have now been observed in the Arctic this winter, and large scale losses are expected to occur if the cold conditions persist. Overall temperatures in the ozone layer are the lowest for 50 years having been consistently low for the past two months.

Since late November large areas of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) - clouds in the ozone layer - have been present over the Arctic region at altitudes around 20 kilometres. They are now the largest in the last 20 years, the period when the ozone-depleting compounds have been high. These conditions could make ozone depletion very likely.

The chemical balance in the stratosphere is changed significantly by the presence of these clouds, altering the breakdown products from CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) so that rapid chemical ozone destruction can occur in the presence of sunlight. If the Arctic stratosphere remains cold during February and March, large ozone loss is expected to take place as sunlight returns to northern latitudes. This could lead to increased levels of ultraviolet radiation in inhabited areas in the northern part of Europe."

http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/news/press/dpp/2005012801

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I can confirm that the colder Arctic winters have indeed been causing ozone damage. This is due to the presence of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) which form at altitudes around 20 kilometers. These clouds are a result of the extremely cold temperatures in the Arctic and play a major role in the chemical balance of the stratosphere.

The presence of PSCs leads to a significant change in the breakdown products of CFCs, which are known to deplete the ozone layer. This change, combined with the return of sunlight in the Arctic region, can result in rapid chemical ozone destruction. This is why we are seeing large scale ozone losses if the cold conditions persist.

On the other hand, warmer weather can actually stop the ozone damage. This is because warmer temperatures in the stratosphere prevent the formation of PSCs and thus, limit the amount of chemical ozone destruction. So while warmer weather may seem counterintuitive in this situation, it is actually beneficial in preventing further ozone damage.

In conclusion, it is important for us to understand the role of temperature in the depletion of the ozone layer. As scientists, we must continue to study and monitor these changes to better understand their impact on our environment.