Experts from the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) examined the parameters of the ozone hole that formed in 2023. The results of the study were officially published Web site NASA.
The hole in Earth’s ozone layer over Antarctica reached its maximum size on September 21, according to scientists. Its area was 26 million square kilometers, making it the 12th largest result since observations began in 1979. Later, its size decreased slightly.
“This is a very modest ozone hole. “Reduced levels of human-produced chlorine compounds and active stratospheric weather conditions in Antarctica have slightly improved ozone levels this year,” said Paul Newman, NASA ozone team leader.
NOAA clarified that the term “ozone hole” in 2023 is not entirely accurate. Ozone concentrations dropped by 95%, but the compound was still present in the atmosphere. However, in other years, ozone losses were almost 100%.
NOAA experts added that the ozone hole in 2023 could have been even smaller had it not been for last year’s eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano, which erupted in January 2022 and sent a large cloud of water vapor into the stratosphere. ozone layer depletion.
Russian scientist before appreciated Current situation with ozone holes.