Summer in the Stratosphere

Abstract

The well known Antarctic ozone hole occurs in the winter and spring stratosphere, as a result of ozone destruction by human-induced halogen compounds in the atmosphere. Fahey and Ravishankara (page 208) contrast the ozone destruction mechanisms active during the winter with those active during the summer. In contrast to the winter ozone hole, summertime ozone destruction can be attributed to chemical compounds that are naturally present in the stratosphere. This destruction will persist even when human-induced emissions are reduced.