Ozone Hole Over Antarctic Lasting Longer, Scientists Say : Science File / An exploration of issues and trends affecting science, medicine and the environment
<i> From Times staff and wire reports</i>
The ozone hole that develops over the antarctic every year from September to October is lasting longer this year, and may not close until next month, according to researchers from New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.
Ozone depletion over the antarctic was first identified and measured in the 1980s. This October, the hole covered about 7.7 million square miles, or twice the size of Europe.
A reading taken this week showed the antarctic ozone hole was beginning to shrink, said atmospheric chemist Tom Clarkson.
