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The drop in ozone concentration over the Arctic is approaching critical point. The reason for this is strong and steady. stratospheric polar vortex with extremely low temperatures. The formation of an “ozone hole” can be dangerous to human health, Russian scientists said.
According to the Federal State Budget Institution “TsAO”, which is part of Roshydromet, at the end February of this year, a decrease in the total content of the ozone layer 30–40 Dobson units over the north of Eastern Siberia relative to long-term average values. Moreover, the minimum absolute values reached 260. At a level below 220, it will be possible talk about the occurrence of the “ozone hole”.
In March and April, scientists expect further destruction of ozone layer in the Arctic zone of the stratosphere.
“Stratospheric ozone depletion may increase levels of surface ultraviolet radiation that may be dangerous to human health “, – quotes RIA News message FSBI “TsAO”.
In 2019, a strong sustainable formation was formed over the Arctic stratospheric polar vortex with temperatures below -78 ° C. It is he causes a drop in ozone concentration. In parallel, scientists observe a record volume of polar stratospheric clouds.
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Cloudiness can mitigate adverse effects solar radiation. The hydromet center constantly calculates and publishes its index. Scientists emphasized that this information has of great importance in the context of the current severe destruction of ozone layer.
Similar events in the spring of 2011 led to an increase UV levels in many regions of the North hemisphere. In April, increased values were recorded even in Moscow. A significant reduction in the thickness of the ozone layer in the Arctic is also observed in the spring of 1996, 1997, 2005 and 2016.
The ozone layer is part of the stratosphere at an altitude of 20-25 kilometers. Most ozone is concentrated here, which is formed as a result of exposure to ultraviolet solar radiation on molecular oxygen.
If all atmospheric ozone is mentally moved to sea level and concentrate to atmospheric pressure at a temperature of 0 ° C, it forms a layer with a height of only three millimeters, which corresponds 300 Dobson units.
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Arctic Health Ozone Hole
