Where is the hole in the ozone?

Where is the hole in the ozone?

• A. Over the Pacific Ocean
• B. Arctic Circle
• C. Antarctica
• D. Over Africa

Answer: (C)

The phenomenon being tested is the seasonal thinning of stratospheric ozone that occurs most strongly in the Antarctic region. In Antarctica, extremely cold winter conditions form a stable polar vortex and polar stratospheric clouds. These clouds convert chlorine- and bromine-containing compounds into highly reactive forms. When sunlight returns in spring, those reactive species drive rapid ozone destruction, creating a large, visible decrease in ozone concentration—the ozone hole. This pronounced depletion is why Antarctica is the correct location. Ozone thinning does occur elsewhere (including the Arctic), but it is typically smaller and less persistent.

The phenomenon being tested is the seasonal thinning of stratospheric ozone that occurs most strongly in the Antarctic region. In Antarctica, extremely cold winter conditions form a stable polar vortex and polar stratospheric clouds. These clouds convert chlorine- and bromine-containing compounds into highly reactive forms. When sunlight returns in spring, those reactive species drive rapid ozone destruction, creating a large, visible decrease in ozone concentration—the ozone hole. This pronounced depletion is why Antarctica is the correct location. Ozone thinning does occur elsewhere (including the Arctic), but it is typically smaller and less persistent.