Hole in ozone layer over Antarctica smaller than last year

NASA researchers, using data from the AURA satellite, determined that the seasonal ozone hole that developed over Antarctica this year is smaller than in previous years.

This year's ozone hole measured 9,4 million square miles at its peak between September and mid-October, compared to 1998 when the ozone hole averaged 10,1 million square miles.

For 10 of the past 12 years, the Antarctic ozone hole has been larger than 7,7 million square miles. Before 1985, it measured less than 4 million square miles.

Scientists also monitor how much ozone there is in the atmosphere from the ground to space. The thickness of the Antarctic ozone layer was the third highest of the last decade.

Warmer temperatures also reduce the rate at which ozone is depleted. Current findings closely correlate with the higher temperatures that have been experienced in the Southern hemisphere.