Sentinel-5P satellite detects unusual increase in ozone layer – Avion Revue Internacional

Measurements by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite have revealed that the ozone hole over Antarctica in 2023 is one of the largest ever recorded, reaching 26 million square kilometers in size on September 16, about three times the size of Brazil.

Why is the ozone hole so big this year?

The size of the ozone hole varies seasonally. It increases from August to October, and reaches its maximum expansion between mid-September and mid-October. This is because as temperatures rise in the stratosphere in the Southern Hemisphere, ozone degradation slows and the polar vortex weakens. In December, ozone levels return to normal.

The eruption of the Honga Tonga-Hunga Haapai volcano in January 2022 may have contributed to this phenomenon by pumping a large amount of water vapor into the stratosphere, which could lead to increased formation of polar stratospheric clouds and accelerate ozone degradation. However, research into the exact impact of this eruption is ongoing due to the lack of similar observations in the past.

The Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, launched in October 2017, plays an essential role in monitoring the ozone layer. Equipped with an advanced Tropomi imaging spectrometer, it provides precise, high-resolution measurements of atmospheric gases, enabling more precise monitoring of air quality and ozone than ever before.

Montreal Protocol and ozone recovery

In the 1970s and 1980s, the widespread use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) damaged the ozone layer, creating the ozone hole over Antarctica. In response to this problem, the Montreal Protocol was implemented in 1987 to phase out the production and use of these harmful substances. As a result, the ozone layer is expected to recover and return to its natural state around 2050.

The unusually large size of the ozone hole in 2023 is a reminder of the continuing importance of monitoring and protecting the ozone layer. The precise measurements provided by Copernicus Sentinel-5b are essential to understanding and addressing this global environmental challenge.