Scientists report ozone hole over the Arctic for the first time

Each year, during the winter months, ozone is lost above the Arctic and the formation of the Antarctic ozone hole subsists. This phenomenon is attributed to cold temperatures and ozone depleting pollutants that fester in the atmosphere. The polar vortex or “atmospheric circulation pattern created by the rotation of the Earth and by cold temperatures” generates chemical reactions that change non-reactive/less reactive chemicals into those that destroy ozone (O₃) molecules. Although ozone is considered a pollutant near the Earth’s surface, within the stratosphere, however, ozone shields the planet from harmful UV rays that can cause health problems to humans, such as skin cancer.

Nearly 80 percent of the ozone that was present in January was destroyed by late March around altitudes of 18-20 kilometers. This destruction of ozone was due to the longest lasting polar vortex ever recorded over the Arctic; it resided in the stratosphere from December till the end of March. Global warming, as a result, becomes the primary culprit for the loss of Arctic ozone. When greenhouse gasses, carbon dioxide, become trapped in the lower atmosphere, it heats up the atmosphere near the ground while cooling the stratosphere above. These conditions alone induce reactive chemicals in the atmosphere to break down ozone. The lack of O₃ has become a primary concern worldwide. Companies have ended production of substances that generate destruction of ozone through the Montreal Protocol. This agreement aims to assist in O₃ protection, while looking to alleviate the Green House Effect.

The implications of increased amounts of green house gasses on Earth can have pronounced effects on each of its spheres. Molecules within the atmosphere allow carbon dioxide to be absorbed and spun in such a way that heats the surface of the Earth (geosphere). A warmer geosphere influences the hydrosphere of the Arctic in such a way that the polar ice caps begin to melt. As we have previously talked about in class, polar ice caps that melt lead to higher water levels. If the volume of the ocean begins to increase, land masses that boarder the ocean now could potentially be under water. Humans and animals alike, biosphere, would have to relocate. Some species of animals may not be capable of relocating and would, in the most extreme case, face extinction. Humans themselves run the risk of many social issues. Those who used to live in the city may be forced to seek a new home in the country. A new lifestyle would inevitably need to be adapted.

Personally, I feel the largest impact of ozone depletion is the health issues previously mentioned. Cancer, DNA denaturation, etc…means that all walks of life would cease to exist. Without the biosphere, the other three spheres would suffer the consequences. As green house gasses begin to invade the planet and the ozone is destroyed, the hydrosphere will begin to evaporate away due to increased mantle temperatures. In such a case, Earth may eventually become a twin planet to Venus.

Stay Green, Josh Baillargeon