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Much to scientists’ relief, the largest hole in the ozone layer observed over the Arctic has now been closed. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) confirmed the development. The organization had been monitoring the unusual hole since it was first observed in March 2020.
Read: Global Ozone Efforts Help Reverse Southern Jet Stream Damage
The CAMS in its report noted that while ozone holes developing over Antarctica in the spring have been an annual phenomenon for some time, the underlying conditions for such strong ozone depletion are not normal in the northern hemisphere. The researchers attributed this to temperature fluctuations as Arctic ozone columns reached record lows and severe depletion was recorded at altitudes of about 18 km.
High-altitude currents called the polar vortex are reportedly responsible for bringing cold air to the north pole and the subsequent healing of the ozone layer. Scientists have added that reduced levels of human activities are not responsible for change.
Read: Fact Check: Is Earth’s Ozone Layer Healing? What is the effect of the blockage on the ozone layer?
Depletion of the ozone layer
Ozone is a colorless gas found mainly in the Earth’s stratosphere, forming a protective layer that absorbs the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. The ozone layer has been under stress for decades due to human activities.
The first extreme damage to the ozone layer was first observed in 1985 and was called the Antarctic Ozone Hole. Later it was observed that man-made chemical compounds called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) had caused the drop in ozone concentration in the stratosphere.
In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was adopted to control the production and consumption of CFCs, which later led to a complete effective ban on the chemical, putting the ozone layer on a path to recovery. However, long-lasting CFCs in the atmosphere continue to affect ozone levels to this day, according to reports.
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