A Review of the 2005 Antarctic Ozone Hole

The 2005 Antarctic ozone hole, through early September, rivaled the very large 2003 Antarctic ozone hole in area size. How did the 2005 ozone hole progress? How did it compare to those of past years? What are the factors that influenced its size, depth, and duration? NOAA has been analyzing and assessing the state of the stratosphere and the ozone layer for more than two decades. Various resources have been used to assess the relationship of the stratosphere to the Antarctic ozone hole. Publications of these assessments have been made since 1991. Within this presentation we provide our analysis and assessment of the 2005 Antarctic ozone hole. Similarities and unique features of this year's Antarctic ozone hole with those preceding it are discussed. The state of the stratosphere and its evolution during the austral winter/spring are also reviewed in the context of previous years. Finally, we put forth for comment additional monitoring parameters that can be used to better understand the state of the stratosphere and ozone depletion in the polar regions.