polar stratospheric clouds

Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are high-altitude clouds that form in the cold winter months near the poles, typically between 15 and 25 kilometers above Earth's surface. Composed mainly of frozen water and nitric acid, these clouds create conditions that enable reactions releasing chlorine and bromine compounds, which can damage the ozone layer. PSCs are important in the depletion of ozone because they provide a surface for chemical reactions that release ozone-destroying gases. Their formation is linked to extremely cold temperatures in the stratosphere, making them a key component in understanding ozone layer dynamics.