University of Otago researchers have discovered the Antarctica ozone hole has grown to "remarkably" massive proportions, and is also deeper.
In a new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, the Department of Physics researchers analysed the daily and monthly changes within the ozone hole at different altitudes and latitudes
The study took place over 18 years between 2004 and 2022, with lead author Hannah Kessenich saying the group found there is much less ozone in the centre of the hole compared to 19 years ago.
"We made connections between this drop in ozone and changes in the air that is arriving at the polar vortex above Antarctica. This reveals the recent, large ozone holes may not be caused just by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)," she said.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has been in place since 1987 and regulates the production and consumption of man-made chemicals known to deplete the ozone.
However, this new research reveals other complex factors are also contributing to the hole.
"Most major communications about the ozone layer over the last few years have given the public the impression that the 'ozone issue' has been solved."
Kessenich says understanding ozone variability is important because of the major role it plays in the climate of the Southern Hemisphere.
She says it could be playing a role in Australia's bushfires, as the ozone hole interacts with the delicate balance in the atmosphere.
Kessenich says it could soon move towards New Zealand.
"Downstream effects include changes to the Southern Hemisphere's wind patterns and surface climate, which can impact us locally."
