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 1/2005, issued 9/13/05 (first bulletin of 2005)
Reporting period: 8/22/05 - 9/12/05

Synopsis:
This year's ozone hole has already affected all austral network sites, including Ushuaia, leading to noticeable increases in UV. However, prevailing solar elevations are still small and absolute UV levels are therefore still low. The UV Index remained below 2.8.

McMurdo Station, Antarctica:
McMurdo Station was affected by the ozone hole during the last two weeks. Total ozone dropped to below 180 DU on 9/10/05. Solar elevations were still below 8° and UV levels consequently very low. The maximum UV Index observed during the last three weeks was 0.3.

Palmer Station, Antarctica:
Total ozone at Palmer Station dropped to below 140 DU on 9/11/05. The Sun was less than 21° over the horizon during the reporting period. The maximum UV Index, observed on 9/11/05, was 2.8. Typical summer-time indices range between 8 and 10 with maximum indices exceeding 13.

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

Ushuaia, Argentina:
The edge of the ozone hole passed over Ushuaia on 9/2/05. TOMS measured 212.9 DU on this day. The UV Index was 1.8. On 9/12/05, the Sun was less than 31° over the horizon and UV levels are therefore still small.

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