Question

Why does the size of the ozone hole fluctuate from year to year?

Answer 1

The size of the ozone hole fluctuates due to the strength of the polar vortex, seasonal changes, and chemical reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The size of the ozone hole fluctuates from year to year due to various factors:

1. Polar vortex strength: The strength of the polar vortex in any given year is directly correlated to the size of the ozone hole. In years with a strong polar vortex, the ozone hole expands in diameter, and in years with a weaker polar vortex, the ozone hole shrinks.
2. Seasonal changes: The ozone hole changes with the seasons, being largest in the spring. This is because during the extremely cold winter months, polar stratospheric clouds develop over Antarctica, which severely reduce ozone levels. As the circulation of westerly winds starts in the spring, an atmospheric vortex is created over the polar area, leading to an increase in the ozone hole.
3. Chemical reactions: Chemical reactions, accelerated by increased sunlight from September to early December, speed up the depletion of ozone molecules in the spring. This leads to the creation of an ozone hole.