Term: ozone hole
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.O04383

Definition:
A region of the stratosphere over Antarctica in which a marked decrease in the concentration of ozone has been observed in the Antarctic spring in recent years. The origin of this phenomenon is not yet established, but several theories based on both physical (transport related) and chemical processes (involvement of the halocarbons and their products of oxidation) have been suggested. The latter explanation appears to be in better accord with recent findings.

Related Terms:
1) stratosphere (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S06043).
2) oxidation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.O04362).

Source: PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2205 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)

Citation: 'ozone hole' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.O04383

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