Accurate Measurement of the Reforming of the Ozone Layer above Antarctica

Type of content
Theses / Dissertations
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Science
Degree name
Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies
Publisher
University of Canterbury
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
English
Date
2016
Authors
Eason, Jo
Abstract

The Montreal Protocol was accepted almost universally and successfully gained global cooperation to reduce the production and release of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). When Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are released the free chlorine molecules that become available in the atmosphere are able to deplete the O₃ ozone molecule in a catalytic reaction allowing Ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation to enter the atmosphere. This deletion of the ozone layer was quickly acknowledged to be detrimental to human health and measures were taken. There is some concern that there are ODSs still being released from some sources and that there are residual ODSs in equipment yet to deteriorate. This review examines the present measurements of the ozone levels in the Antarctic stratosphere, how the increased use of modelling has improved the accuracy of the measurements and led to a clearer understanding of the dynamic mechanisms that reform the ozone hole each year. The polar vortex formation and the dynamically induced changes in the troposphere are the main drivers in the appearance of the ozone hole each year above the Antarctic. Mt Erebus has recently been found to be a significant source of ozone destroying gases. As these dynamic systems are more clearly understood and accounted for the variable annular ozone levels are able to be accurately assessed for the possible future recovery of the ozone hole to pre-1980 levels.

Description
Citation
Keywords
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Rights
All Rights Reserved