New research has claimed that the ozone layer hole over the Antarctic might be getting larger, contradicting recent reports claiming it was recovering.&nbsp;

The New Zealand researchers behind the study published in the journal Nature Communications&nbsp;on Tuesday (Nov 21) argued that ozone levels have reduced by 26 per cent since 2004 at the core of the hole in the Antarctic springtime.&nbsp;

The scientists arrived at the conclusion by analysing the ozone layer's behaviour between September and November using a satellite instrument. After analysis, researchers said six of the last nine years have had really&nbsp;low ozone amounts and extremely large ozone holes over the region.&nbsp;

The study cited changes in the Antarctic polar vortex (a vast swirl of low pressure and very cold air, high above the South Pole) as one of the main reasons for ozone depletion. It added that tiny, airborne particles emitted from wildfires and volcanoes and changes in solar cycle were also responsible for the depletion.&nbsp;

“This means that the hole has not only remained large in area, but it has also become deeper [i.e. has less ozone] throughout most of the Antarctic spring,” said Hannah Kessenich, the study's lead author.&nbsp;

“The especially long-lived ozone holes during 2020-2022 fit squarely into this picture, as the size/depth of the hole during October was particularly notable in all three years.”&nbsp;

The ozone layer is responsible for protecting life on Earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of our Sun. In 1987, after reports claimed that the ozone layer above the desolate continent was destroyed, several countries rallied together to ban or phase down the use of more than 100 ozone-depleting chemicals.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supernovas-explosive-end-destroyed-parts-of-ozone-layer-science-news-659556">Watch |&nbsp;Supernova's explosive end, destroyed parts of Ozone layer | Science News</a>

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<h2>What does the new report contradict?</h2>

Earlier this year, a report by the United Nations claimed that the ozone layer would be completely healed within two decades&nbsp;as the airborne chemicals that are destroying the atmospheric layer are declining.&nbsp;The chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – once widely used in aerosols and refrigerators, were pointed as the major cause of ozone depletion.&nbsp;

According to the report, the ozone layer will be restored to the 1980 levels by 2040 all over the world,&nbsp;2045 over the Arctic, and by 2066 over the Antarctic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ozone-layer-on-course-to-be-recovered-in-next-two-decades-says-un-report-550846">Also read |&nbsp;Ozone layer on course to be recovered in next two decades, says UN report</a>

The report noted that ozone-damaging chlorine declined by 11.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1993 and 2020, while bromine declined 14.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1999 and 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

New research has claimed that the ozone layer hole over the Antarctic might be getting larger, contradicting recent reports claiming it was recovering. The New Zealand researchers behind the study published in the journal Nature Communications on Tuesday (Nov 21) argued that ozone levels have reduced by 26 per cent since 2004 at the core of the hole in the Antarctic springtime.

New research has claimed that the ozone layer hole over the Antarctic might be getting larger, contradicting recent reports claiming it was recovering. The New Zealand researchers behind the study published in the journal Nature Communications on Tuesday (Nov 21) argued that ozone levels have reduced by 26 per cent since 2004 at the core of the hole in the Antarctic springtime. The scientists arrived at the conclusion by analysing the ozone layer's behaviour between September and November using a satellite instrument. After analysis, researchers said six of the last nine years have had really low ozone amounts and extremely large ozone holes over the region. The study cited changes in the Antarctic polar vortex (a vast swirl of low pressure and very cold air, high above the South Pole) as one of the main reasons for ozone depletion. It added that tiny, airborne particles emitted from wildfires and volcanoes and changes in solar cycle were also responsible for the depletion. “This means that the hole has not only remained large in area, but it has also become deeper [i.e. has less ozone] throughout most of the Antarctic spring,” said Hannah Kessenich, the study's lead author. “The especially long-lived ozone holes during 2020-2022 fit squarely into this picture, as the size/depth of the hole during October was particularly notable in all three years.” The ozone layer is responsible for protecting life on Earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of our Sun. In 1987, after reports claimed that the ozone layer above the desolate continent was destroyed, several countries rallied together to ban or phase down the use of more than 100 ozone-depleting chemicals. Watch | Supernova's explosive end, destroyed parts of Ozone layer | Science News × What does the new report contradict? Earlier this year, a report by the United Nations claimed that the ozone layer would be completely healed within two decades as the airborne chemicals that are destroying the atmospheric layer are declining. The chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – once widely used in aerosols and refrigerators, were pointed as the major cause of ozone depletion. According to the report, the ozone layer will be restored to the 1980 levels by 2040 all over the world, 2045 over the Arctic, and by 2066 over the Antarctic. Also read | Ozone layer on course to be recovered in next two decades, says UN report The report noted that ozone-damaging chlorine declined by 11.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1993 and 2020, while bromine declined 14.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1999 and 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Ozone hole probably getting larger instead of healing as previously claimed, study says

The satellite data shows that this year's hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica has grown to become one of the biggest ever seen, with experts suggesting that the massive gap could have been caused by the eruption of Tonga's underwater volcano in early 2022.&nbsp;

Tonga was rocked by a massive underwater volcano last year in January and the eruption triggered Tsunami warnings. The dramatic explosion of the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcano was even seen in satellite images as the eruption sent smoke and ash into the air.&nbsp;

European Space Agency's (ESA) Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite observed that the ozone hole reached approximately 26 million square kilometres in area on Sep 16, 2023.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bumblebees-have-a-remarkably-successful-way-of-fighting-off-asian-hornets-study-643431">Bumblebees have a ‘remarkably successful’ way of fighting off invasive Asian hornets</a>&nbsp;

The findings suggest that the gap has become one of the largest seasonal holes ever observed. Previously, the largest ozone hole maximum occurred in 2000, when it reached nearly 28.4 million square kilometres in area.&nbsp;

ESA said that the hole, which is what scientists call an 'ozone-depleting area,' has reached roughly three times the size of Brazil.&nbsp;

The space agency explained how the ozone hole is measured. It noted that the ozone hole's dimensions change frequently, with the size of the ozone hole increasing from August through October, peaking between mid-September and mid-October.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-finds-never-before-detected-pairs-of-planet-like-objects-in-the-orion-nebula-643329">James Webb telescope finds never-before detected pairs of planet-like objects in Orion Nebula</a>&nbsp;

The polar vortex begins to weaken and eventually dissipate as southern hemisphere stratospheric temperatures begin to climb. ESA said that by the end of December, ozone levels will be back to normal.&nbsp;

The ozone layer is basically a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer is a high concentration of ozone, which is a type of oxygen molecule with three atoms instead of two.&nbsp;

Copernicus Sentinel-5P – short for Sentinel-5 Precursor – is the first Copernicus satellite dedicated to monitoring our atmosphere. It was launched in October 2017. It is part of the fleet of Copernicus Sentinel missions that ESA develops for the European Union's environmental monitoring programme.

As quoted by ESA, Diego Loyola, DLR senior scientist, commented, "The Sentinel-5P total ozone products have an accuracy at the percentage level compared with ground-based data and this allows us to closely monitor the ozone layer and its evolution. The Tropomi measurements are extending the global ozone data record of European satellite sensors covering almost three decades."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The satellite data shows that this year's hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica has grown to become one of the biggest ever seen, with experts suggesting that the massive gap could have been caused by the eruption of Tonga's underwater volcano in early 2022.

The satellite data shows that this year's hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica has grown to become one of the biggest ever seen, with experts suggesting that the massive gap could have been caused by the eruption of Tonga's underwater volcano in early 2022. Tonga was rocked by a massive underwater volcano last year in January and the eruption triggered Tsunami warnings. The dramatic explosion of the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcano was even seen in satellite images as the eruption sent smoke and ash into the air. European Space Agency's (ESA) Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite observed that the ozone hole reached approximately 26 million square kilometres in area on Sep 16, 2023. Also read: Bumblebees have a ‘remarkably successful’ way of fighting off invasive Asian hornets The findings suggest that the gap has become one of the largest seasonal holes ever observed. Previously, the largest ozone hole maximum occurred in 2000, when it reached nearly 28.4 million square kilometres in area. ESA said that the hole, which is what scientists call an 'ozone-depleting area,' has reached roughly three times the size of Brazil. The space agency explained how the ozone hole is measured. It noted that the ozone hole's dimensions change frequently, with the size of the ozone hole increasing from August through October, peaking between mid-September and mid-October. Also read: James Webb telescope finds never-before detected pairs of planet-like objects in Orion Nebula The polar vortex begins to weaken and eventually dissipate as southern hemisphere stratospheric temperatures begin to climb. ESA said that by the end of December, ozone levels will be back to normal. The ozone layer is basically a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer is a high concentration of ozone, which is a type of oxygen molecule with three atoms instead of two. Copernicus Sentinel-5P – short for Sentinel-5 Precursor – is the first Copernicus satellite dedicated to monitoring our atmosphere. It was launched in October 2017. It is part of the fleet of Copernicus Sentinel missions that ESA develops for the European Union's environmental monitoring programme. As quoted by ESA, Diego Loyola, DLR senior scientist, commented, "The Sentinel-5P total ozone products have an accuracy at the percentage level compared with ground-based data and this allows us to closely monitor the ozone layer and its evolution. The Tropomi measurements are extending the global ozone data record of European satellite sensors covering almost three decades." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ozone hole over Antarctica grows to three times size of Brazil, is one of the biggest on record

Ozone layer around the Earth is essential for the well-being of humankind. It absorbs the&nbsp; harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sunlight. Ozone layer depletion has been a key issue for decades and fortunately, some resolute global action has slowed down depletion of Ozone. But now a new threat appears to be emerging. Space exploration, formerly the domain of national space agencies has begun to become accessible to people as space travel. As it becomes more accessible and affordable, it can be said that number of launches would increase.

Researchers have now warned that such a scenario has the potential of undoing the progress we've made and reopen hole in the Ozone layer.

Researchers from the University of Canterbury have written an&nbsp;article in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand warning that the harmful chemicals from possibly large number of rocket launches in a not-so-distant future may damage the Ozone layer.

The researchers said that rocket launches release harmful chemicals “directly into the middle and upper atmosphere, where the protective ozone layer resides”.

In addition to emissions from the rockets, debris from these launches that falls back to Earth all the while burning in the atmosphere damages the Ozone layer further.

“We've seen rocket launches almost doubling in three years and there are missions aiming towards launching up to as many as three rockets a day, which is just unprecedented,” said Dr. Eloise Marais, associate professor in physical geography at University College London. Marais was quoted by France 24.

“With the potential for growth in the space sector, there is reason to be concerned; the pollution coming from rocket launchers and disposal of space junk isn't regulated under any framework.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ozone layer around the Earth is essential for the well-being of humankind. It absorbs the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sunlight. Ozone layer depletion has been a key issue for decades and fortunately, some resolute global action has slowed down depletion of Ozone.

Ozone layer around the Earth is essential for the well-being of humankind. It absorbs the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sunlight. Ozone layer depletion has been a key issue for decades and fortunately, some resolute global action has slowed down depletion of Ozone. But now a new threat appears to be emerging. Space exploration, formerly the domain of national space agencies has begun to become accessible to people as space travel. As it becomes more accessible and affordable, it can be said that number of launches would increase. Researchers have now warned that such a scenario has the potential of undoing the progress we've made and reopen hole in the Ozone layer. Researchers from the University of Canterbury have written an article in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand warning that the harmful chemicals from possibly large number of rocket launches in a not-so-distant future may damage the Ozone layer. The researchers said that rocket launches release harmful chemicals “directly into the middle and upper atmosphere, where the protective ozone layer resides”. In addition to emissions from the rockets, debris from these launches that falls back to Earth all the while burning in the atmosphere damages the Ozone layer further. “We've seen rocket launches almost doubling in three years and there are missions aiming towards launching up to as many as three rockets a day, which is just unprecedented,” said Dr. Eloise Marais, associate professor in physical geography at University College London. Marais was quoted by France 24. “With the potential for growth in the space sector, there is reason to be concerned; the pollution coming from rocket launchers and disposal of space junk isn't regulated under any framework.” (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Increased space tourism may deal fresh damage to Ozone layer

Earth’s ozone layer, which protects humans from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, will completely be healed within two decades as the airborne chemicals that are destroying the atmospheric layer are declining, a new report by United Nations has found.

According to the report, the ozone layer will be restored to the 1980 levels by 2040 all over the world,&nbsp;2045 over the Arctic, and by 2066 over the Antarctic.

The scientists from United Nations Environment Program and the World Meteorological Organization found a significant thickening of the ozone layer, describing their findings as “a bit of good news for the planet”.

The thickening of the ozone layer means more protection for humans and other life.

The alarm over the loss of ozone was first raised in the 1980s, following which under the 1989 Montreal protocol, countries pledged to eliminate ozone-depleting chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that were used as solvents and refrigerants.

The UN report noted the success of the Montreal Protocol in helping repair the ozone layer.

“Ozone action sets a precedent for climate action,” said Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, which unveiled the progress report, which is conducted every four years, on Monday, according to Guardian.

“Our success in phasing out ozone-eating chemicals shows us what can and must be done as a matter of urgency to transition away from fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gases and so limit temperature increase.”

According to the report, ozone-damaging chlorine declined by 11.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1993 and 2020, while bromine declined 14.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1999 and 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Earth’s ozone layer, which protects humans from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, will completely be healed within two decades as the airborne chemicals that are destroying the atmospheric layer are declining, a new report by United Nations has found.

Earth’s ozone layer, which protects humans from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, will completely be healed within two decades as the airborne chemicals that are destroying the atmospheric layer are declining, a new report by United Nations has found. According to the report, the ozone layer will be restored to the 1980 levels by 2040 all over the world, 2045 over the Arctic, and by 2066 over the Antarctic. The scientists from United Nations Environment Program and the World Meteorological Organization found a significant thickening of the ozone layer, describing their findings as “a bit of good news for the planet”. The thickening of the ozone layer means more protection for humans and other life. The alarm over the loss of ozone was first raised in the 1980s, following which under the 1989 Montreal protocol, countries pledged to eliminate ozone-depleting chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that were used as solvents and refrigerants. The UN report noted the success of the Montreal Protocol in helping repair the ozone layer. “Ozone action sets a precedent for climate action,” said Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, which unveiled the progress report, which is conducted every four years, on Monday, according to Guardian. “Our success in phasing out ozone-eating chemicals shows us what can and must be done as a matter of urgency to transition away from fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gases and so limit temperature increase.” According to the report, ozone-damaging chlorine declined by 11.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1993 and 2020, while bromine declined 14.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1999 and 2020. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ozone layer on course to be recovered in next two decades, says UN report

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States has predicted that the hole in the ozone layer will close in the next 50 years.

Calling it a “significant milestone” on the path to recovery, NOAA scientists found that in comparison to the 1980s, concentrations of harmful chemicals had declined by just over 50 per cent in the mid-level of the stratosphere.

The Antarctic ozone layer, which protects all life on Earth from the sun’s harmful radiation, could eventually recover “sometime around 2070,” according to NOAA.

Due to complex meteorological and chemical processes, every year a giant hole begins forming during spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

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The hole, which is being tracked by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), usually begins forming during spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

Using three-dimensional modelling, CAMS scientists have been closely monitoring the hole’s development since the end of August.

According to Director of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Vincent-Henri Peuch, “The 2022 Antarctic ozone hole started to develop in late August and has so far followed similar trends from the last decade in terms of area, minimum total column, mass deficit and minimum temperature.”

“According to our data from the start of September, the size of the ozone hole is within the average range. However, we will be watching very closely in the next few weeks as the 2020 and 2021 ozone holes only started to become exceptional later on.”

The Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987 to try and curb the number of harmful chemicals in the atmosphere just seven years after scientists discovered man-made chemicals were damaging the ozone layer.

In one of the first ever universally ratified treaties in United Nations history, these chemicals started to be phased out to protect the ozone layer.

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&nbsp;

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States has predicted that the hole in the ozone layer will close in the next 50 years. Calling it a “significant milestone” on the path to recovery, NOAA scientists found that in comparison to the 1980s, concentrations of harmful chemicals had declined by just over 50 per cent in the mid-level of the stratosphere.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States has predicted that the hole in the ozone layer will close in the next 50 years. Calling it a “significant milestone” on the path to recovery, NOAA scientists found that in comparison to the 1980s, concentrations of harmful chemicals had declined by just over 50 per cent in the mid-level of the stratosphere. The Antarctic ozone layer, which protects all life on Earth from the sun’s harmful radiation, could eventually recover “sometime around 2070,” according to NOAA. Due to complex meteorological and chemical processes, every year a giant hole begins forming during spring in the Southern Hemisphere. × The hole, which is being tracked by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), usually begins forming during spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Using three-dimensional modelling, CAMS scientists have been closely monitoring the hole’s development since the end of August. According to Director of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Vincent-Henri Peuch, “The 2022 Antarctic ozone hole started to develop in late August and has so far followed similar trends from the last decade in terms of area, minimum total column, mass deficit and minimum temperature.” “According to our data from the start of September, the size of the ozone hole is within the average range. However, we will be watching very closely in the next few weeks as the 2020 and 2021 ozone holes only started to become exceptional later on.” The Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987 to try and curb the number of harmful chemicals in the atmosphere just seven years after scientists discovered man-made chemicals were damaging the ozone layer. In one of the first ever universally ratified treaties in United Nations history, these chemicals started to be phased out to protect the ozone layer. Watch WION's live TV here: ×

'Significant milestone': Hole in the ozone layer will close in the next 50 years

In 2020, a new and rather unusually large hole in the ozone layer was formed over the Arctic now, scientists have finally established the possible reason behind it. The analysis proposed that the large hole in the ozone layer was likely caused by the record-high sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the North Pacific.&nbsp;

Scientists from the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, School of Physics at Peking University, led by Prof. Yongyun Hu plugged satellite data into a series of simulations and found that the record Arctic ozone loss was associated with the extremely cold and persistent stratospheric polar vortex over February to April.&nbsp;

The extremely cold vortex was a result of "anomalously weak planetary wave activity" as the analysis, which is published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, revealed that the weak wave activity can be traced to anomalously warm SSTs in the North Pacific.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-astronaut-iss-cracks-serious-issue-415124">Cracks on ISS a 'serious issue', says former NASA astronaut</a>

It is known that the Arctic stratospheric vortex is typically too warm for polar stratospheric clouds to form, which are a key ingredient in severe ozone depletion processes but still polar meteorologists reported a record-breaking Arctic "ozone hole" during spring 2020 that piqued researchers to investigate about it.&nbsp;

"The record-high North Pacific sea surface temperatures during February and March 2020 led to a large reduction of wavenumber-1 wave activity by modifying the Aleutian low," Prof. Hu explained.&nbsp;

"The reduction of planetary wave activity caused the extremely cold and persistent stratospheric polar vortex between February and April 2020 which provided the necessary conditions for severe ozone loss," Hu added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/at-iss-sun-rises-and-sets-every-45-minutes-nasa-tells-why-412923">At ISS, Sun rises and sets every 45 minutes, NASA tells why</a>

"The formation of the record Arctic ozone loss in spring 2020 indicates that present-day ozone depleting substances are still sufficient to cause severe springtime ozone depletion in the Arctic stratosphere," said Prof. Hu.&nbsp;

"These results suggest that severe ozone loss is likely to occur in the near future as long as North Pacific warm SST anomalies or other dynamical processes are sufficiently strong," Prof. Hu added.&nbsp;

In 2020, a new and rather unusually large hole in the ozone layer was formed over the Arctic now, scientists have finally established the possible reason behind it.

In 2020, a new and rather unusually large hole in the ozone layer was formed over the Arctic now, scientists have finally established the possible reason behind it. The analysis proposed that the large hole in the ozone layer was likely caused by the record-high sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the North Pacific. Scientists from the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, School of Physics at Peking University, led by Prof. Yongyun Hu plugged satellite data into a series of simulations and found that the record Arctic ozone loss was associated with the extremely cold and persistent stratospheric polar vortex over February to April. The extremely cold vortex was a result of "anomalously weak planetary wave activity" as the analysis, which is published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, revealed that the weak wave activity can be traced to anomalously warm SSTs in the North Pacific. ALSO READ | Cracks on ISS a 'serious issue', says former NASA astronaut It is known that the Arctic stratospheric vortex is typically too warm for polar stratospheric clouds to form, which are a key ingredient in severe ozone depletion processes but still polar meteorologists reported a record-breaking Arctic "ozone hole" during spring 2020 that piqued researchers to investigate about it. "The record-high North Pacific sea surface temperatures during February and March 2020 led to a large reduction of wavenumber-1 wave activity by modifying the Aleutian low," Prof. Hu explained. "The reduction of planetary wave activity caused the extremely cold and persistent stratospheric polar vortex between February and April 2020 which provided the necessary conditions for severe ozone loss," Hu added. ALSO READ | At ISS, Sun rises and sets every 45 minutes, NASA tells why "The formation of the record Arctic ozone loss in spring 2020 indicates that present-day ozone depleting substances are still sufficient to cause severe springtime ozone depletion in the Arctic stratosphere," said Prof. Hu. "These results suggest that severe ozone loss is likely to occur in the near future as long as North Pacific warm SST anomalies or other dynamical processes are sufficiently strong," Prof. Hu added.

What caused massive Arctic ozone hole in 2020? This study has some answers