Largest hole in the Ozone Layer closes by itself

The C3S (Copernicus Climate Change Service) and CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service) confirmed that the hole in the Ozone layer has healed itself.

Highlights

The hole was 1 million square kilometres wide above the Arctic. The hole was identified by the scientists in March 2020. It was formed due to unusual climatic conditions.

How did the hole close?

The main reason for the hole to heal by itself is the polar vortex. Also, according to the scientists the closure of the hole is not due to the reduced pollution levels due to COVID-19 lock down.

Threats

The hole possessed greater threats. It was the largest pole that was found in the history of Ozone layer. If the hole had moved towards south, it would have created catastrophic results in the mid latitudes.

Polar Vortex

The Polar Vortex is a winter phenomenon. Polar Vortex is cyclonic circular winds that blow in the stratosphere from west to east. Polar Vortex extends from tropopause through the stratosphere and into the mesosphere. When the vorticity is high, values of ozone is minimum and the temperature is at its highest cold. Thus, the hole has closed as the vorticity has decreased.

Ozone Layer

The Ozone Layer is a shield in the earth’s stratosphere that protects the planet from the harmful UV radiation from the sun.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020