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 1/2004, issued 9/13/04 (first bulletin of 2004)
Reporting period: 8/22/04 - 9/12/04

Synopsis:
This year's ozone hole has already passed over McMurdo and Palmer Stations, leading to noticeable increases in UV. However, absolute UV levels are still low since prevailing solar elevations are still small. The UV Index remained below 2.8 at all austral sites during the last three weeks.

McMurdo Station, Antarctica:
McMurdo Station was affected by the ozone hole several times during the last three weeks. UV values are still very low since noon-time solar elevations are still smaller than 8°. The maximum UV Index observed during the last three weeks was 0.4.

Palmer Station, Antarctica:
Total ozone values at Palmer Station dropped from about 250 DU on 9/6/04 to 158 DU on 9/10/04 when ozone depleted airmasses moved over the station. The UV Index increased during this period from 1.0 to 2.4. These values are still low compared to typical summer-time values of 8-10.

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

Ushuaia, Argentina:
So far, South America saw only little influence from this year's ozone hole. The maximum UV Index observed at Ushuaia during the last three weeks was 2.8, measured on 9/10/04.

For more information leave us a note.