Previous UV Bulletin

UV bulletins are short reports on current UV levels at NSF network locations. They are posted bi-weekly between September and December when the "ozone hole" is affecting UV levels at our Austral sites.

Bulletin 4/2004, issued 10/27/04
Reporting period: 10/11/04 - 10/24/04

Synopsis:
UV levels at Palmer Station and Ushuaia were enhanced during the first three days of the reporting period, when low ozone columns were observed at both sites. From 10/14/04 onward, UV levels at all Antarctic network sites were below the long-term average.

McMurdo Station, Antarctica:
McMurdo Station was outside the area of the ozone hole (total column ozone below 220 DU) during the entire reporting period. Between 10/11/04 and 10/21/04, UV levels were at the low-end of the range defined by measurements from previous years. When the ozone column dropped below 250 DU on 10/24/04, UV levels slightly increased but remained below the long-term average.

Palmer Station, Antarctica:
On 10/11/04, the center of the ozone hole was located close to Palmer Station, according to NASA/TOMS images. GUV measurements indicate that the ozone column was 155 DU. The UV Index peaked at 7. After 10/15/04, Palmer Station was outside the ozone hole area and the UV Index ranged between 2 and 3. The average UV Index for this period is 5.

South Pole, Antarctica:
The Sun at the South Pole was still less than 12 degrees above the horizon during the reporting period. UV levels at the South Pole were very low; the maximum UV Index was 0.7. UV Index values as high 1.2 have been observed during this period historically.

Ushuaia, Argentina:
Ushuaia was effected by the ozone hole between 10/11/04 and 10/13/04. UV levels peaked on 10/13/04, when the UV Index reached 7.6. Normal UV Indices for this day range between 2.5 and 5. UV levels varied around average values for the remainder of the reporting period.

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