In 2011, both the Antarctic and Arctic ozone holes reached record sizes. The Antarctic ozone hole peaked on September 12th at 26 million square kilometers, larger than average for the past decade. The lowest concentration of ozone occurred on October 8th at 95 Dobson units. In March 2011, unusually low Arctic temperatures caused significant ozone depletion, forming the first observed Arctic ozone hole. While smaller than the Antarctic hole, decreased ozone in the Arctic could expose over 700 million people to increased UV radiation. Continued ozone layer depletion from climate change may make large Arctic ozone holes more likely in the future.

1. 2011 the Year of Two Ozone Holes
December 27, 2011 Pocono Pines, PA-The 2011 Antarctic Ozone Hole is now over.
The Ozone Hole began to form in mid August, and by mid September reached it's
largest size of 26 million square kilometers on September 12,2011 larger than the
average for the last decade and remained near this size into early October according to
data from The British Antarctic Survey and NASA. The lowest concentration of ozone in
the southern stratosphere—that is, the deepest “hole”—occurred on October 8, 2011
when levels descended to 95 Dobson units. Its size from October to mid November was
near to or above the record area for the time of year. The hole became more elliptical in
mid October and the edge of the ozone hole passed over the tip of South America and
the Falkland Islands, but then returned to a more circular form.
The 2011 Ozone Hole reached it's largest size of 26 million square kilometers on
September 12,2011

2. The lowest concentration of ozone in the southern stratosphere—that is, the deepest
“hole”—occurred on October 8, 2011 when levels descended to 95 Dobson units
In March of 2011 unusually low temperatures in the Arctic ozone layer initiated massive
ozone depletion. The 2011 Arctic Ozone Hole occurred over an area considerably
smaller than that of the Antarctic Ozone Holes. This is because the Arctic polar vortex, a
persistent large-scale cyclone within which the ozone loss takes place, was about 40
percent smaller than a typical Antarctic vortex. While smaller and shorter-lived than its
Antarctic counterpart, the Arctic polar vortex is more mobile, often moving over densely
populated northern regions. Decreases in overhead ozone lead to increases in surface
ultraviolet radiation, which are known to have adverse effects on humans and other life
forms.

5. An Arctic Ozone Hole, if similar in size to the Antarctic Ozone Hole, could expose over
700+ million people, wildlife and plants to dangerous UV ray levels, which can cause
skin cancer and disrupt reproduction of some animals and destroy plant life. The likely
hood of this happening seems inevitable based on the deterioration of ozone layer
caused by the effects of global warming on the upper atmosphere.
The ozone layer is a concentration of ozone molecules in the stratosphere. About 90%
of the planet's ozone is in the ozone layer. The layer of the Earth's atmosphere that
surrounds us is called the troposphere. The stratosphere, the next higher layer, extends
about 10-50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. Stratospheric ozone is a naturally-
occurring gas that filters the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A diminished ozone layer
allows more radiation to reach the Earth's surface. For people, overexposure to UV rays
can lead to skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune systems. Increased UV can
also lead to reduced crop yield and disruptions in the marine food chain. UV also has
other harmful effects.

6. The Ozone Hole Inc. is a nonprofit a 501-(3)(C) organization dedicated to protecting the
ozone layer, the climate and Earth's environment by educating and motivating the public
 Arctic Ozone
 October 18 2011-Unusually Chilly Stratosphere Behind 2011's Record
Arctic Ozone Hole
 October 2 2011-NASA Leads Study Of Unprecedented Arctic Ozone
Loss
 Nature Article
 5 April 2011-Arctic Ozone Loss 2011
 Bad news after good? –Recent Arctic stratospheric ozone losses
 July 2011
 August 2011
 September 2011
o September 27, 2011-The Ozone Hole Reaches South America
 October 2011
 October 20, 2011-NOAA, NASA: Significant ozone hole remains over
Antarctica
 October 20-Ozone Depletion a Bigger Deal Down Under
 November 2011
 Ozone Hole History
o Ozone Hole Area Plots 1979-2007
o Ozone Hole 1980-85
o Ozone Hole 1986-90
o Ozone Hole 1991-95
o Ozone Hole 1996-2000
o Ozone Hole 1995
o Ozone Hole 1996
o Ozone Hole 1997
o Ozone Hole 1998
o Ozone Hole 1999

7. o Ozone Hole 2000
o Ozone Hole 2001
o Ozone Hole 2002
o Ozone Hole 2003
o Ozone Hole 2004
o Ozone Hole 2005
o Ozone Hole 2006
o OzoneHole 2007
o Ozone Hole 2008
o Ozone Hole 2009
o Ozone Hole 2010
o Ozone Hole 2011