Data from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite revealed a mini-ozone hole above the Arctic in 2020.
Contains modified Copernicus data (2020) that are processed by DLR / BIRA / ESA
Something strange has happened over the Arctic this year if a hole developed in the ozone layer. The European Commission’s Copernicus satellite program followed the unusual event and now has evidence that the hole has healed itself.
The ozone layer acts as a sunscreen for the earth and protects life from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The most famous ozone hole is that occurs annually in Antarctica.
Arctic ozone holes are not uncommon. There was a similar event in 2011, if not that big. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) described This year’s hole in the northern hemisphere is considered record-breaking and unusual.
Research institute of the European Center for Medium-Term Weather Forecasts announced the healing event last week and said “The unprecedented ozone hole in the northern hemisphere in 2020 has ended.”
The discovery of the ozone hole in Antarctica has made efforts worldwide to reduce the use of harmful chemicals that contribute to opening. However, the arctic hole is not due to human activity, but what it does Called European Space Agency “unusual atmospheric conditions”, including a strong one Polar vortex swirling cold air.
CAMS described the Arctic 2020 polar vortex as “exceptionally strong and durable.” The cold temperatures in the stratosphere also played a role in the formation of the hole. As soon as the polar vortex subsided, the hole could close.
While the arctic hole takes care of itself, the antarctic hole remains a problem. There is some good news on this front. NASA announced the in 2018 first direct evidence of ozone recovery due to the chemical ban. The hole was 2019 the smallest in the record, but the healing process is expected to continue for decades.