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Ozone Hole 2005

Situation at 2005 September 9

The atmospheric circulation over the Antarctic continent is in its winter state. Stratospheric temperatures are cold enough for stratospheric clouds to form and they have been observed at Rothera and Vernadsky. There is widespread ozone depletion over the continent, with ozone amounts over 50% down on the normal for the time of year in places. Lowest ozone amounts are approaching 100 DU, with most areas of the edge region below 200 DU. The lowest ozone areas are over the base of the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea. Overall the area of the ozone hole is around 22 million square kilometres but is a little smaller in size than the 2003 hole, which was one of the largest on record during August. Ozone values at Rothera are amongst the lowest recorded at this time of year. The tip of South America and the Falkland Islands was affected by the very edge of the ozone hole for a few days at the end of August and beginning of September, when values dropped to over 20% below the normal for the time of year. The tip of South America is likely to be affected again from September 10.

Ozone Hole 2004

Ozone Hole 2003

Ozone Hole 2002

Ozone Hole 2001

Ozone Hole 2000

Environment Canada Southern Hemisphere Ozone Map September 3,2000

Source: http://www.theozonehole.com/ozone.htm