Continuous ozone depletion over Antarctica after 2000 and its relationship with the polar vortex

Abstract

Observations have shown highly variable ozone depletion over the Antarctic in the 2000s, which could affect the long-term ozone trend in this region as well as the global ozone recovery. By using the total column ozone data (1979–2011), interannual variation of the springtime Antarctic ozone low is investigated, together with its relationship with the polar vortex evolution in the lower stratosphere. The results show that springtime Antarctic ozone depletion has continued in the 2000s, seemingly contradicting the consensus view of a global ozone recovery expected at the beginning of the 21st century. The spring Antarctic polar vortex in the lower stratosphere is much stronger in the 2000s than before, with a larger area, delayed breakup time, and greater longevity during 2000–2011. Further analyses show that the recent continuation of springtime Antarctic ozone depletion could be largely attributed to the abnormal variation of the Antarctic polar vortex.