Antarctic Ozone Hole

The Antarctic ozone hole is a seasonal thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica, primarily caused by human-made chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). During the Southern Hemisphere's spring, these chemicals react with ozone molecules in the extremely cold stratosphere, breaking them down rapidly. This results in a significant reduction of ozone, which normally protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The ozone hole is temporary and varies in size each year, but its existence has prompted global efforts to limit ozone-depleting substances and protect the Earth's atmosphere.