Tag Archives: ozone

Experts Predict Continued Recovery of the Earth’s Ozone Layer for Decades Ahead

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The ozone layer has shown significant improvement, with the Antarctic ozone holes in 2024 being smaller than in prior years. New Report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

This map depicts the size and shape of the Antarctic ozone hole on October 5th, 2022. Image credit: Earth Observatory by Joshua Stevens/NASA.

The depth of the Antarctic ozone hole in 2024 (which typically appears every spring) was below the average levels measured from 1990 to 2020, with the maximum ozone mass deficit recorded on September 29th at 46.1 million tons.

From 2020 to 2023, it remained smaller than a significantly larger hole.

Its development was relatively gradual, with ozone depletion slowing by September, followed by a quicker recovery after reaching the maximum deficit.

“This consistent progression is considered a strong indicator of early recovery in the Antarctic ozone holes,” stated WMO experts.

The alarm was initially sounded by scientists in 1975 when the WMO reported “changes in the ozone layer due to human activities and certain geophysical factors.”

If current policies remain in effect, the latest assessment for 2022 indicates that the ozone layer is projected to return to 1980 levels (prior to the appearance of ozone holes) around 2066, 2045 in the Arctic, and globally by 2045.

“Despite the significant success of the Montreal Protocol over the years, this effort remains ongoing, and continuous monitoring of stratospheric ozone and ozone-depleting substances is essential,” experts noted.

“WMO’s scientific research on the ozone layer spans decades,” remarked Celeste Sauro, WMO executive director.

“It relies on trust, international collaboration, and a commitment to free data exchange—fundamental principles of the world’s most successful environmental agreements.”

“To date, the Montreal Protocol has resulted in over 99% reduction in the production and consumption of controlled ozone-depleting substances used in refrigeration, air conditioning, fire foam, and even hairsprays.”

“Consequently, the ozone layer is on course to recover to 1980 levels by the middle of this century, significantly lowering the risk of ecosystem damage from skin cancer, cataracts, and UV overexposure.”

Source: www.sci.news

Planetary Scientists Discover Seasonal Ozone Layers Formed by Mars’s Arctic Vortex

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Polar water is generated during the Martian season, which occurs due to the planet’s axis being tilted at an angle of 25.2 degrees, as explained by Dr. Kevin Olsen from Oxford and his colleagues at Latmos, CNRS, CNRS, Space Research Institute, Open University, and NASA.

This perspective view of Mars’ Arctic Ice Cap showcases its unique dark troughs arranged in a spiral pattern. The image is derived from observations made by ESA’s Mars Express, utilizing elevation data from NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor’s Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter. Image credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin/NASA/MGS/MOLA Science team.

“The polar vortex’s atmosphere, extending from near the surface to around 30 km high, experiences extremely low temperatures, approximately 40 degrees Celsius lower than the surrounding area,” stated Dr. Olsen.

“In such frigid conditions, most of the water vapor in the atmosphere freezes and accumulates in the ice cap, resulting in ozone formation within the vortex.”

Normally, ozone is destroyed by reacting with molecules generated when ultraviolet radiation decomposes water vapor.

However, once all water vapor is depleted, there are no reactive molecules left for ozone, allowing it to accumulate in the vortex.

“Ozone plays a crucial role for Mars. It is a reactive form of oxygen that indicates the pace of chemical reactions occurring in the atmosphere,” Olsen noted.

“By investigating the levels of ozone and their variances, we gain insight into how the atmosphere evolves over time and whether Mars once had a protective ozone layer similar to Earth.”

Slated for launch in 2028, ESA’s Rosalind Franklin Rover aims to uncover evidence of life that may have existed on Mars.

The possibility that Mars had a protective ozone layer, safeguarding its surface against harmful ultraviolet radiation from space, enhances the likelihood of ancient life-sustaining conditions on the planet billions of years ago.

Polar vortices are produced during the Martian season as a consequence of the axial tilt of 25.2 degrees.

Similar to Earth, an atmospheric vortex forms above Mars’ North Pole at the end of summer and persists through spring.

On Earth, polar vortices can destabilize, losing their structure and shifting southward, often bringing cold weather to mid-latitudes.

A similar phenomenon can occur with Mars’ polar water vortex, which provides an opportunity to explore its internal dynamics.

“Studying the Northern Pole’s winter on Mars presents challenges due to the absence of sunlight, akin to conditions on Earth,” Dr. Olsen explained.

“By analyzing the vortex, one can differentiate between observations made inside and outside it, providing insight into ongoing phenomena.”

The atmospheric chemical suite aboard ESA’s trace gas orbiter examines Mars’ atmosphere by capturing sunlight filtered through the planet’s limb while the sun is positioned behind it.

The specific wavelengths of absorbed sunlight reveal which molecules are present in the atmosphere and their altitudes above the surface.

Nonetheless, this method is ineffective during the complete winter darkness on Mars when the sun does not illuminate the Arctic region.

The only chance to observe the vortex is during moments when its circular shape is lost, but additional data is required to pinpoint when and where this occurs.

To enhance their research, the scientists utilized NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’s Mars Climate Sounder instrument, measuring temperature variations to gauge the vortex’s extent.

“We sought sudden drops in temperature, which indicate entry into the vortex,” Dr. Olsen noted.

“By comparing ACS observations with data from Mars’ climate sounders, we observed significant atmospheric differences within the vortex compared to the surrounding air.”

“This presents a fascinating opportunity to deepen our understanding of Mars’ atmospheric chemistry and how polar night conditions shift as ozone accumulates.”

The findings were presented at the EPSC-DPS2025 Joint Meeting in Helsinki, Finland, this month.

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K. Olsen et al. 2025. What’s happening in the Arctic Vortex of Mars? EPSC Abstract 18: EPSC-DPS2025-1438; doi: 10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1438

Source: www.sci.news

Research Suggests Future Ozone Changes May Lead to Unexpected Global Warming

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The prohibition of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs has facilitated the recovery of the ozone layer. However, when paired with rising air pollution levels, the heating effects of ozone are now expected to warm the planet by an additional 40% more than previously estimated.

Antarctica’s ozone hole in 2020. Image credit: ESA.

“CFCs and HCFCs are greenhouse gases contributing to global warming,” stated Professor Bill Collins of Reading University and his colleagues.

“Countries have banned these substances to protect the ozone layer, with hopes it will also mitigate climate change.”

“However, as the ozone layer continues to heal, the resulting warming could offset much of the climate benefits we expect from eliminating CFCs and HCFCs.”

“Efforts to reduce air pollution will limit ground-level ozone.”

“Still, the ozone layer will take decades to fully recover, irrespective of air quality policies, leading to unavoidable warming.”

“Safeguarding the ozone layer is vital for human health and skin cancer prevention.”

“It shields the Earth from harmful UV radiation that can affect humans, animals, and plants.”

“Yet, this study indicates that climate policies must be revised to consider the enhanced warming effects of ozone.”

The researchers utilized computer models to project atmospheric changes by the mid-century.

The models continued under a scenario of low pollution, where CFCs and HCFCs have been eliminated as per the Montreal Protocol (1987).

The results indicate that stopping the production of CFCs and HCFCs—primarily to defend the ozone layer—offers fewer climate advantages than previously thought.

Between 2015 and 2050, ozone is predicted to cause an excess warming of 0.27 watts per square meter (WM-2).

This value denotes the additional energy trapped per square meter of the Earth’s surface—carbon dioxide (which contributes 1.75 WM-2) will rank as the second-largest influence on future warming by 2050.

“Countries are making the right choice by continuing to ban CFCs and HCFCs that endanger the ozone layer globally,” stated Professor Collins.

“While this contributes to the restoration of the ozone layer, we’ve discovered that this recovery results in greater planetary warming than initially anticipated.”

“Ground-level ozone generated from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and power plants also poses health risks and exacerbates global warming.”

The results were published in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics.

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WJ Collins et al. 2025. Climate forcing due to future ozone changes: Intercomparison of metrics and methods. Atmos. Chemistry. Phys 25, 9031-9060; doi: 10.5194/ACP-25-9031-2025

Source: www.sci.news

The Impact of Elon Musk’s Failing Satellite on the Ozone Layer

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At present, there are around 13,000 satellites orbiting Earth, with roughly 10,000 of them functioning. However, the number of satellites in orbit is set to increase drastically by 2030, with 50,000 new satellites expected to be launched.

This significant increase is primarily due to the rise of Internet megaconstellations like SpaceX’s Starlink and other satellite projects. Currently, there are approximately 8,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, with nearly 6,500 of them being Starlink satellites.

SpaceX plans to deploy 12,000 satellites and is seeking approval for an additional 30,000, while other companies, like Amazon, are also planning their own megaconstellations.

The influx of satellites in low Earth orbit raises concerns about potential collisions and environmental impacts. Scientists warn that megaconstellations could harm the ozone layer, which protects the planet from harmful UV rays.

When satellites are decommissioned, they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and release aluminum oxide particles, which can damage the ozone layer by catalyzing chemical reactions. These particles can linger in the atmosphere for decades, further depleting the ozone.

Research published in the Geophysical Research Journal in 2024 revealed that a single satellite can release a significant amount of aluminum oxide particles, which can accumulate over time and contribute to ozone depletion.

The continuous deployment of megaconstellations could inject large amounts of aluminum oxide into the upper atmosphere every year, significantly increasing the risk of ozone layer damage.

The short lifespan of internet satellites in low Earth orbit poses additional challenges, as they need to be actively removed or they will burn up in the atmosphere. SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, for example, could be pulled out of orbit within five years if not removed.

The constant re-entry of decommissioned satellites could release a stream of burnt-out material into the atmosphere, exacerbating the environmental impact. Scientists predict a significant increase in satellite re-entries in the coming years, which could further impact the ozone layer.

It may take several decades before the full extent of satellite re-entry impacts the ozone layer, but the rapid growth of megaconstellations poses a significant risk to ozone layer recovery efforts.

Future research collaborations are being formed to study the direct link between decommissioned satellites and ozone depletion, aiming to quantify the environmental risks associated with satellite combustion.

This article addresses the query posed by Claudine Best from Dorset: “Do satellites burning in the atmosphere pose a threat to the environment?”

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