The 2023 Antarctic ozone hole reached its maximum size at 10 million square miles (26 million square kilometers) on September 21, which ranks as the 16th largest since 1979, according to annual satellite and balloon-based measurements made by NOAA and NASA.
means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites..The 2023 Antarctic ozone hole reached its maximum size at 10 million square miles on September 21, which ranks as the 16largest since 1979, according to annual satellite and balloon-based measurements made by NOAA and NASA.
Video: The 2023 Antarctic ozone hole reached its maximum size at 10 million square miles, or 26 million square kilometers, on Sept. 21, which ranks as the 16th largest since 1979, according to annual satellite and balloon-based measurements made by NASA and NOAA. Credit: NASA. Antarctic ozone depletion occurs when human-made chemicals containing chlorine and bromine first rise into the stratosphere. These chemicals are broken down and release their chlorine and bromine to initiate chemical reactions that destroy ozone molecules. The ozone-depleting chemicals, including, were once widely used in aerosol sprays, foams, air conditioners, fire suppressants and refrigerators. CFCs, the main ozone-depleting gases, have atmospheric lifetimes of 50 to over 100 years.