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 4/2005, issued 10/25/05
Reporting period: 10/11/05 - 10/24/05

Synopsis:
McMurdo and Palmer Stations were often located close to the edge of the ozone hole area, leading to large variability in UV. The South Pole remained within the area of the ozone hole and UV levels were comparable to measurements of previous years. Ushuaia remained outside the area of the ozone hole and UV levels stayed below the long-term average.

McMurdo Station, Antarctica:
Between 10/11/05 and 10/18/05, McMurdo Station was located either outside the ozone hole area or close to its edge. Total ozone varied between 183 and 321 DU according to NASA Earth Probe TOMS. UV levels remained below the long-term average for this period, calculated from measurements of the years 1991 - 2004. The daily maximum UV Index stayed below 1.8. After 10/18/05, McMurdo Station was inside the area of the ozone hole and daily maximum UV Indices increased to values between 3.5 and 3.8.

Palmer Station, Antarctica:
Between 10/11/05 and 10/20/05, Palmer Station was located close to the edge of the ozone hole. Total ozone varied between 163 and 255 DU according to TOMS. UV levels showed considerable variability during this period. Daily maximum UV Indices ranged between 3.5 (10/11/05) and 6.6 (10/19/05). After 10/20/05, Palmer Station was outside the area of the ozone hole and daily maximum UV Indices remained below 3.6.

South Pole, Antarctica:
Total ozone at the South Pole was below 120 DU according to TOMS. UV levels increased from day to day as the Sun moved higher in the sky. The UV Index gradually increased from 0.4 to 1.05. UV measurements from the reporting period compared well to data measured during the same period of previous years.

Ushuaia, Argentina:
Ushuaia was outside the ozone hole area during the entire reporting period. UV levels were somewhat below levels typical for this time of the year. Daily maximum UV Indices ranged between 3 and 5.

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