The hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica reaches record size

Satellite data revealed that this year’s ozone hole over Antarctica is twice the size of the largest ever recorded.

The European Space Agency (ESA) announced that the hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica has reached a record size. The cause is unclear but it is likely related to the eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano.

The latest measurements from the Copernicus Climate Change Monitoring Service’s Sentinel-5P satellite indicate that the current ozone hole is reaching a record size.

It had an area of 26 million square kilometers as of September 16, equivalent to three times the size of Brazil. This hole has been “healed” since the use of certain chemicals was banned, but it still fluctuates throughout the year.

According to scientists, every year from August to October, it is normal for this hole to expand seasonally, it usually peaks in mid-September. However, this year the hole in the ozone layer has opened up. earlier and develop very quickly after a few weeks.

This oscillation process is largely influenced by the presence of wind, and the winds themselves are affected by other parameters, such as the Earth’s rotation and temperature.

Copernicus stated that it will take time to understand the exact reason for the development observed in September, but it is likely that the eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano played a role.

In January 2022, the volcano’s eruption spewed large amounts of water vapor into the atmosphere. This water vapor moves through the atmosphere and reaches Antarctica from the end of 2022.

Scientists hope that the hole will enter the shrinking phase early next year, the current effect from this incident is causing Antarctic ice to melt at a faster rate due to intense ultraviolet radiation irradiating down to Earth.

According to Moitruongvadothi.vn