The largest hole in the ozone layer heals itself: Coronavirus effect?

Scientists had discovered an unusual hole in the ozone layer over the Arctic. (Image source: Copernicus (2020) data processed by DLR / BIRA / ESA)

Earlier this month, scientists reported a sharp drop in ozone concentrations in the Arctic beloved by unusual weather conditions. The hole, first identified in March 2020, is now reported to have been closed.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) confirmed that the largest ozone hole later over the Arctic has been closed .

The unprecedented #OzoneHole 2020 Northern Hemisphere has come to an end. The #PolarVortex division, which allows #ozone-rich air in the Arctic, closely coincides with last week’s forecast from Atmosphere Monitoring Service #Copernicus, “official Copernicus Twitter user ECMWF tweeted.

Also read | Explained: what to read in the size of the ozone hole

The ozone layer is a protective layer of gas in the stratosphere. Protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, which can otherwise cause skin cancer and cataracts along with other environmental problems.

The unprecedented northern hemisphere 2020 #Ozone hole has come to an end. the #Polar vortex divide, allowing #ozoneenriches the air in the Arctic, closely matching last week’s forecast for the #CopernicusAtmosphere Monitoring Service.

More information about the NH Ozone hole➡️https: //t.co/Nf6AfjaYRi pic.twitter.com/qVPu70ycn4

– Copernicus ECMWF (@CopernicusECMWF) April 23, 2020

Scientists noted unusually strong ozone depletion in the northern polar regions in March, believed to be the largest hole in the ozone layer. The hole could have led to a greater threat if it had moved south.

Although mini ozone holes over the North Pole are not uncommon, depletion over the Arctic this year was much higher compared to previous years. The reason for this year’s ozone hole is said to have occurred due to the polar vortex, a circular swirl of stratospheric winds responsible for bringing cold air to the polar regions.

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Scientists also believe that the closure of the hole is due to the same polar vortex and not the lower levels of contamination during the coronavirus blockade.

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