NASA | Big Ozone Holes Headed For Extinction By 2040

NASA scientists predict that by 2040, the Antarctic ozone hole will be consistently smaller than 8 million square miles, marking a significant milestone. The ozone hole is a seasonal thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica, influenced by man-made chemicals transported from the equator and trapped by polar vortex winds. Despite a decline in these chemicals due to the Montreal Protocol, they will persist in the atmosphere for years. Temperature variations affect the formation of ice clouds, which in turn influence ozone hole size. Using NASA's satellite data, scientists have gained a clearer understanding of chemical levels, allowing for confident future predictions.

What is the expected size of the Antarctic ozone hole by the year 2040?

• Larger than 8,000,000 square miles

• Smaller than 8,000,000 square miles

• Exactly 8,000,000 square miles

• The size will remain unchanged

How are man-made chemicals that destroy ozone transported to the poles?

• By volcanic eruptions

• By polar vortex winds

• By animal migration

• By ocean currents

What international agreement has contributed to the decline of ozone-depleting chemicals?

• Geneva Convention

• Montreal Protocol

• Kyoto Protocol

• Paris Agreement

What effect do warm temperatures have on ice cloud formation and ozone hole size?

• No effect on ice clouds, larger holes

• More ice clouds form, smaller holes

• Fewer ice clouds form, smaller holes

• More ice clouds form, larger holes

Which satellite is used by NASA to determine chemical levels in the ozone?

• Voyager 1

• Hubble Space Telescope

• Landsat 8

• Ora Satellite