Unexpected: Ozone Hole Nears Record Size, page 1

The seasonal ozone hole over Antarctica has widened sharply this year, making it the third largest on record. The current ozone hole is 27 million square kilometers or 10.4 million square miles in size.

www.physorg.com
Despite the statistic, WMO ozone expert Dr Geir Braathen did not expect the record measurement of 28 square kilometers (10.81 square miles), which was reached in 2003, to be broken.

"We expect the size of the ozone hole to be in the same region as in 2000 and 2003 but not to break any record," Dr Braathen said at a press conference to mark the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

"It's too early to say the situation is improving," Braathen said.

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How much of this can be attributed to the recent abnormal solar activity or will it blamed on green house gases? Based on recent findings, I would surmise they still have much to learn.

[edit on 18-9-2005 by Regenmacher]

[edit on 27-9-2005 by DJDOHBOY]