Ozone mini-hole in winter 2015/2016 over Siberia: Characteristic features and relationship to atmospheric blocking

TL;DR

This study investigates the formation of a deep ozone mini-hole over Siberia in winter 2015/2016, highlighting the roles of atmospheric dynamics, ozone transport, and chemical reactions using satellite data.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the mechanisms behind the Siberian ozone mini-hole, emphasizing the influence of atmospheric blocking and ozone outflow, which is a novel insight.

Findings

OMH caused by lower stratosphere ozone decrease by 50%

OMH formation linked to atmospheric blocking and ozone advection

Chemical destruction contributed but was not the primary factor

Abstract

The characteristic features and mechanisms of the formation of a deep ozone mini-hole (OMH) in winter 2015/2016 over Siberia were carried out using AIRS and CALIOP satellite data. The depletion in the total column ozone was caused mainly by a strong decrease in ozone mixing ratio in the lower stratosphere, reaching 50% near the pressure level of 70 hPa. The formation of OMH was closely related to the dynamic factors including an increase in the tropopause height and advection in the troposphere of ozone-depleted subtropical air, which were associated with atmospheric blocking. Also, an important factor of OMH formation was ozone decrease in the stratosphere due to increased outflow of ozone from the area of the OMH. The contribution of chemical destruction of stratospheric ozone, due to catalytic reactions with halogen-containing compounds on the surface of polar stratospheric clouds to the OMH formation, was evaluated.