The largest hole in the ozone layer closed above the North Pole

In the last days of March, scientists at the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service observed a large empty space over the Arctic region. Till now, he did not see such a big cleft in the atmosphere.

Soon it turned into a big hole. He had not yet encountered such a huge hole in the northern hemisphere. Its size was equal to that of Greenland and it spread the surface of the polar icecap.

On 23 April, there was good news. CAMS tweeted that this year, ie in March of 2020, the unprecedented hole in Ozonepat in the Northern Hemisphere has closed.

Actually, the ozone layer provides the Earth with the necessary protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Most of the Earth’s ozone is present in the upper stratosphere of its atmosphere (atmosphere).

Ozone layer at an altitude of 10–40 km from the ground is very helpful in protecting the Earth from ultraviolet radiation.

The melting speed of ice can be greatly increased from any hole in this shield and it can affect the immune system of the organisms. This can cause diseases like skin cancer or night blindness to humans.

According to CAMS, however, small holes have been found on the ozone layer above the atmosphere of the Arctic region. But this was the first time that such a big hole was visible in the ozone layer and it became a matter of concern.

CAMS stated that the ever-increasing hole was the result of unusual weather over the attraction. When strong winds are trapped in the freezing winds above the icy peaks for several consecutive days, they form a ‘polar vortex’ in the terminology of scientists.

This strong pressure revolves around itself. This creates so much power that it pierces the ozone of the stratosphere. Although this hole has now closed, scientists say that if the weather is favourable, it can open again.

CAMS said in a tweet that this large hole in the ozone layer above the Arctic has no connection with the lockdown caused by a coronavirus. This was due to the very strong and extraordinary air and the long-lived polar vortex.

It was said in the tweet that this big hole in the ozone layer is a symptom of a big problem like a big fall in ozone. It was closed just because of the annual cycle. It is not a permanent cure. But hope remains. The ozone layer is improving but slowly.

Holes in the ozone above the North Pole are a rare occurrence, but above Antarctica over the past 35 years, every year a larger hole is created again and again. Although its size keeps on decreasing every year. But in the near future, it does not seem to stop.

The use of chlorofluorocarbons was discontinued in 1996. Since then, it has shown some improvement. Chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons are used to make aerosol sprays, foams, solvents, and refrigerants.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says that the ozone hole over Antarctica has been reduced by one to three per cent since 2000.

However, the smallest hole was recorded in Antarctica in 2019. But (WMO) says that it will have to wait till at least 2050 to fill the hole in the ozone layer of Antarctica.

Originally published at https://www.mubahisa.in.