Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

Does ozone hole occur in the north pole
(Arctic)?
• The Arctic winter stratosphere is generally
warmer than the Antarctic by ~10k.
– Caused by the water mass covering the Arctic.
• The warmer temperature results in less PSCs
and shorter presence time.
• The less abundant and less persistent PSCs
dramatically reduce the extent of denitrification.
– PSCs in the Arctic does not have sufficient time
to settle out of the stratosphere.
– PSCs releases their HNO 3 back to the stratosphere,
making ClOx polar cycle less efficient.
• Conclusion: Ozone depletion is less dramatic in
the Arctic compared with the Antarctic.