Ongoing Challenge
This year’s Antarctic ozone hole, among the largest ever recorded, may have been triggered by Tonga’s underwater volcano eruption in early 2022, according to satellite data. The ozone layer, found 9 to 18 miles above Earth’s surface, shields us from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Large ozone holes were initially linked to chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) emissions, leading to a ban on CFCs in 1989. However, ozone gaps still occur above polar regions in winter due to polar stratospheric clouds, which further diminish ozone levels. Despite the ban, monitoring and protection of the ozone layer remain crucial.
Ozone Hole’s Growth
September 16, this year’s Antarctic ozone hole reached a colossal size of 10 million square miles, equivalent to North America or three times the area of Brazil.
The cause of this expansion is believed to be the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano in January 2022, which sent over 50 million tons of water into the upper atmosphere.
“The 2023 ozone hole got off to an early start and has grown rapidly since mid-August,” Antje Inness, a researcher at the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, said in the statement. It is “one of the biggest ozone holes on record,” she added.
Polar Ozone Holes
This increase in atmospheric water, akin to a 10% rise, could destabilize the ozone layer and create polar stratospheric clouds. While this connection is plausible, more research is required to confirm the precise link between the ozone hole and the eruption.
The ozone holes at the poles exhibit natural variability, influenced by factors like temperature and El Niño events.
While this year’s Antarctic ozone hole is one of the largest ever recorded, it’s not a cause for alarm as the region beneath it is sparsely populated, and it’s expected to close in a few months. With continued low CFC levels, the ozone layer is projected to recover by 2050.
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Source- Live Science
