The ozone hole over Antarctica has been expanding at an accelerated pace during the first weeks of September 2026, surpassing the usual seasonal size. This was highlighted by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, celebrated on September 16.
According to data from the European atmospheric monitoring service, the formation of the hole began in the latter half of August, following a pattern similar to that observed over the past 46 years. By the end of the month, however, the area had already reached about 15 million square kilometers, larger than the entire Antarctic continent and slightly earlier than average.
The expansion became notably faster in early September. Estimates for September 12 indicate an area of about 25 million square kilometers, roughly five million more than the average for this period. Copernicus forecasts suggest that the area could continue to grow around mid-month.
This trend is somewhat reminiscent of 2025, when the 15 million square kilometer mark was reached on August 30.
Link to Why the Phenomenon Occurs Mainly in AntarcticaWhy the Phenomenon Occurs Mainly in Antarctica
The seasonal formation of the ozone hole is linked to the unique conditions of the Antarctic stratosphere. During the southern hemisphere's winter, extremely low temperatures promote the formation of polar stratospheric clouds. As sunlight returns in the southern spring, these conditions facilitate chemical reactions that, in the presence of chlorine and bromine compounds, lead to significant ozone depletion.
In 2026, the rapid expansion observed in September coincided, according to CAMS, with a sharp drop in minimum temperatures in the stratosphere at about 20 kilometers above the South Pole.
However, the size of the hole is just one of the factors scientists use to assess its intensity. Other parameters monitored by Copernicus, such as the minimum amount of ozone in the atmospheric column and the so-called ozone mass deficit, are currently close to historical averages.
Link to A Natural Shield Against Ultraviolet RaysA Natural Shield Against Ultraviolet Rays
The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing most of the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, thereby reducing exposure to harmful rays linked to an increased risk of skin cancer.
The thinning observed since the latter half of the 20th century has been primarily linked to human-made substances that release chlorine and bromine into the stratosphere. Weather conditions and atmospheric temperatures further influence how extensive and persistent the phenomenon will be each year.
Antarctica offers particularly favorable conditions for ozone destruction due to very low temperatures and the stability of the polar vortex, which keeps the air mass above the continent isolated for extended periods.
Systematic monitoring through satellites and ground observations has been ongoing since the late 1970s. The record for the largest extent remains that of September 9, 2006, when the hole reached about 29.6 million square kilometers.
This year's high reading does not, by itself, alter the long-term trend. In recent years, there have also been less extensive and shorter episodes, consistent with the gradual recovery of the ozone layer. Annual fluctuations can still be significant and depend on a combination of numerous atmospheric and chemical factors.
The director of CAMS, Laurence Rouil, emphasized this point: despite the significant growth of the area recorded at the beginning of September, other parameters remain close to historical averages.
(Associated Medias) - Tutti i diritti sono riservati