Record-low Arctic stratospheric ozone in 2020: MLS observations of
chemical processes and comparisons with previous extreme winters
Abstract
Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) measurements show that chemical
processing was critical to the observed record-low Arctic stratospheric
ozone in spring 2020. The 16-year MLS record indicates more
denitrification and dehydration in 2019/2020 than in any Arctic winter
except 2015/2016. Chlorine activation and ozone depletion began earlier
than in any previously observed winter, with evidence of chemical ozone
loss starting in November. Active chlorine then persisted as late into
spring as it did in 2011. Empirical estimates suggest maximum chemical
ozone losses near 2.8 ppmv by late March in both 2011 and 2020. However,
peak chlorine activation, and thus peak ozone loss, occurred at lower
altitudes in 2020 than in 2011, leading to the lowest Arctic ozone
values ever observed at potential temperature levels from
~400–480 K, with similar ozone values to those in 2011
at higher levels.