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 1/2003, issued 9/16/03
Reporting period: 9/1/03 - 9/14/03

Synopsis:
As prevailing solar elevations are still small, UV levels at NSF network sites are low, despite the comparatively large and deep ozone hole.

McMurdo Station, Antarctica:
UV levels measured at McMurdo during the first two weeks in September were somewhat above average, but absolute values are still low. For example, the maximum UV Index measured during this period was 0.4. Typical summer index values range between 5 and 7.

Palmer Station, Antarctica:
UV levels at Palmer station were within the range of measurements from previous years. However, measurements between 9/8/03 and 9/14/03 were close to the upper limit of the envelope defined by values measured between 1990 and 2002. The maximum UV index measured in September 2003 was 3. Typical summer values range between 6 and 9. Index values above 13 have been observed in November 1997 and December 1998 when the ozone hole was located above the station.

South Pole, Antarctica:
As the Sun has not yet risen at the South Pole, UV levels are still insignificant.

Ushuaia, Argentina:
UV levels measured at Ushuaia in September 2003 were above the long-term average but still within the range of measurements performed between 1988 and 2002. The maximum UV index measured in September 2003 was 2.5. Typical summer values range between 7 and 8, but index value above 11 have historically been observed.

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