Changes in the total ozone distribution in the atmosphere over Antarctica

Abstract

The data obtained by the authors during the last decade from satellite measurements in 1979–2016 and related to changes in zonal asymmetry of the Antarctic ozone and to their coupling with atmospheric parameters in the Southern Hemisphere are summarized in this work. The spring levels of the Antarctic ozone in 2000s–2010s do not show increase of the ozone hole size observed in 1980s–1990s. Stabilization and the first evidence of the ozone hole area decrease are considered as consequence of Montreal Protocol 1987 on restriction of emissions of ozone depleted substances into the atmosphere. Long3term changes of total ozone content in atmosphere over the Antarctic region in spring are accompanied by changes in its asymmetric distribution relatively the South Pole. Interannual variations of the longitudinal ozone minimum position demonstrate statistically significant relation to structure of the quasi3stationary planetary waves in distribution of atmospheric parameters. Long3term longitudinal shift of the ozone minimum is similar to shift in zonal structure of planetary waves in the tropospheric parameter distribution and is also accompanied by meridional displacement of the climatic anomalies toward the equator. The obtained relationships characterize interdependence between the large3scale tropospheric and stratospheric disturbances in the Southern Hemisphere during the ozone hole season.