From MercoPress · · 1m
Antarctic Ozone Hole Hits 15 Million km2
Antarctic ozone hole reached 15 million km2 in September 2026, exceeding Antarctica's size.
In brief
Antarctic ozone hole reached 15 million km2 in September 2026, exceeding Antarctica's size. The Antarctic ozone hole expanded to 15 million km2 in September 2026, surpassing Antarctica's area and showing rapid development. Originally reported by MercoPress.
Antarctic Ozone Hole Size
The 2026 Antarctic ozone hole reached 15 million km2 by end of August 2026.
Ozone Hole Development
The ozone hole expanded to 25 million km2 on 12 September 2026, 5 million km2 above average.
Ozone Depletion Process
Cold temperatures form polar stratospheric clouds that activate ozone removal via halogens.
Temperature Drop
A sudden decrease in minimum temperature at 20km above South Pole occurred in early September.
CAMS Director Statement
Laurence Rouil said CAMS provides data to track ozone layer recovery and understand its state.
Ozone Hole Recovery Trend
Recent years show smaller and shorter-lived ozone holes indicating ongoing recovery.
The essence
The Antarctic ozone hole expanded to 15 million km2 in September 2026, surpassing Antarctica's area and showing rapid development.
