The size of the ozone hole fluctuates yearly. The largest ozone hole ever recorded reached 28.4 million square kilometers in September 2000. This is almost seven times the size of the European Union!
Ozone Hole Size Over Time
The ozone hole's size varies significantly from year to year, influenced by meteorological conditions and the ongoing recovery of the ozone layer due to the Montreal Protocol's success in phasing out ozone-depleting substances.
- Historical Maximum: The record maximum extent of the ozone hole was 28.4 million square kilometers (September 2000).
- Recent Years: The 2023 ozone hole reached a maximum of 26 million square kilometers (September 21, 2023), ranking as the 12th largest on record. The 2024 ozone hole was larger than that of 2022.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Agencies like NASA and NOAA continuously monitor and report on the ozone hole's size and state using satellite data. NASA Ozone Watch provides up-to-date information.
While the ozone hole is gradually recovering, its annual size remains a key indicator of the ozone layer's health and the effectiveness of international efforts to protect it.
