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Where is the ozone layer weakest?
Antarctic
Unusual weather patterns mean that ozone depletion over the Antarctic in 2019 is the weakest since records began in 1982; resulting in the smallest hole to date, according to NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists.
Which continent has the thinnest ozone layer?
Over the past decade ozone over Antarctica has thinned unnaturally in springtime. Scientists have determined that this depletion is a direct result of humans releasing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere. CFCs were once widely used as propellants in aerosol sprays and as coolants in refrigerators.
Is the ozone layer thinner over Australia?
Firstly, the ozone layer in the mid-latitude (e.g. over Australia) is thinned, leading to more UV radiation reaching the earth. Secondly, the ozone layer over the Antarctic, and to a lesser extent the Arctic, is dramatically thinned in spring, leading to an ‘ozone hole’.
Why ozone layer is thin in Australia?
The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs the biologically damaging wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) rays but in the 1970s, Australia’s ozone layer was severely thinned as a consequence of heavy use of ozone-depleting, substances such as chloroflurocarbons (CFCs) and hydro-chloroflurocarbons (HCFCs).
How big was the ozone hole in 1985?
The maximum depth of the hole that year was 194 Dobson Units (DU)—not far below the previous historical low. For several years, the minimum concentrations stayed in the 190s, but then the minimums rapidly grew deeper: 173 DU in 1982, 154 in 1983, 124 in 1985.
Why is there no ozone layer in New Zealand?
Ozone concentrations measured over New Zealand are not affected directly by the ozone hole, which lies over Antarctica each spring. However, when the ozone hole breaks up in late spring, it can send ‘plumes’ of ozone-depleted air over New Zealand.
Is Australian sun stronger?
This means that the summer sun in Australia is 7 to 10 percent stronger than similar latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Air currents high in the atmosphere sometimes bring ozone-depleted air from Antarctica’s ozone hole to Australia, letting even more UV through.