Second Hole in the Ozone Layer opened over the Artic North Pole in 2011 – Could be Harmful to People

In addition to the annual ozone hole which has been opening over Antarctica for decades, an new hole which scientists have been tracking also opened at the top of the Earth over the Artic in 2011.

The new tear in the layer of the atmosphere which protects us from the Sun’s harmful UV radiation, is currently smaller than that of the hole over Antarctica. However, the Arctic polar vortex, a persistent large-scale cyclone within which the ozone loss takes place is highly mobile in comparison to the Antarctic vortex.

This means that the Artic Ozone hole has a greater chance of occurring over densely populated northern areas on the earth, as opposed to the virtually unpopulated surface of Antarctica.

Forming in mid August, the Ozone Hole over Antarctica reached a larger than average 26 million square kilometers by September 12, 2011. While the 2011 Antarctic ozone hole briefly extended over the southern tip of South America, if the Arctic Ozone Hole were to eventually reach the size of its polar opposite, researchers estimate that it could expose over 700 million people, wildlife and plants to dangerous UV ray levels.

The exposure could cause skin cancer and disrupt reproduction of some animals and destroy plant life. The current expert opinion is that this scenario is likely based on the deterioration of ozone layer caused by the effects of global warming.

Based on a press release from: The Ozone Hole Inc. – 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 through its internationally respected websites.