[CTRL] Fwd: There Goes the Ozone Layer
OZONE HOLE OVER ARCTIC SURPRISES RESEARCH TEAM by David Perlman, Science Editor San Francisco Chronicle, May 31, 2000 Clouds of ice and acid high in the stratosphere disrupted the Northern Hemisphere's protective ozone layer this past winter, and scientists say the ozone loss poses potentially serious health problems for humans if it repeats in coming winters. An international team of researchers detected the unusually cold ozone-destroying clouds in the stratosphere over the Arctic last winter, and the team's leaders reported their findings yesterday at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union in Washington. The findings are surprising because scientists had expected that the protective ozone layer would recover after ozone-destroying chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, were banned by international treaty four years ago. But that has not happened, the team of nearly 200 scientists and technicians found. Instead, the same phenomenon that has opened a growing "ozone hole" over Antarctica each winter for more than 10 years is occurring over the Arctic Circle as well. "Ozone levels over the Arctic have been dropping for the past four to five years," said Brian Toon, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado and a leader of the team. "As a result the stratosphere over the Arctic is beginning to look a lot like the Antarctic. "This is the first time, in fact, that we've seen the polar clouds lasting long enough to affect the ozone layer significantly," he said. The ozone loss in the Southern Hemisphere is already causing health problems for many people in Australia and New Zealand because the sun's damaging ultra-violet radiation is no longer blocked by the layer of ozone. The same could happen in populated areas of the United States, Canada and Russia if the Northern Hemisphere's ozone layer continues to thin, the researchers said. Using an array of satellites, weather balloons and high-flying aircraft, the scientists found that polar stratospheric clouds made of ice particles and nitric acid were larger and lasted longer than researchers had found in previous years. The clouds, known as PSCs, generally form about 13 miles above the poles each winter when temperatures drop to 110 degrees below zero, Toon said. This past winter, he reported, instruments on satellites, balloons and two high-altitude aircraft all showed that ozone concentrations in some parts of the stratosphere declined as much as 60 percent between November and March. The complex chemistry that caused the loss begins with the presence of chlorine atoms. Chlorine was released into the atmosphere for many years in the form of CFCs, which were once widely used for refrigerators, air-conditioning equipment and many industrial products. CFCs were banned in 1996 by a treaty known as the Montreal Protocol, but they are expected to linger in the upper atmosphere for many more years, scientists say. 'DRIZZLING' NITRIC ACID Highly reactive chlorine can destroy ozone molecules on contact, and it is the nitric acid in the polar clouds that transforms normally inert chlorine into the form that tears the ozone apart. This past winter, the researchers found, nitric acid "drizzled" down from clouds high in the stratosphere and turned even more chlorine than usual into the ozone-destroying form. Much of what the international team discovered was also predicted in computer models developed by a separate group of scientists led by Azadeh Tabazadeh, an atmospheric physicist at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View. The arctic atmosphere is not nearly as cold as it is over Antarctica, but it has been growing colder over the past 20 years by more than four degrees per decade, Tabazadeh said in an interview last week. Because of this, she said, this past winter should in fact have seen colder than normal temperatures over the Arctic, leading in turn to larger and longer-lasting polar stratospheric clouds. That is precisely what happened this past winter, and as a result the nitric acid compounds high in the stratosphere dropped down to turn the lingering chlorine atoms into ozone destroyers. "If our model is correct and if our estimate of the cooling rate in the stratosphere is correct, then we predict that by 2010 ozone in the (arctic) stratosphere will be decreased by up to 30 percent," Tabazadeh said. 'GREENHOUSE GASES' Ironically, the situation is made worse by heat-trapping gases that have been linked to global warming. Toon said the "greenhouse gases" in Earth's upper atmosphere that continually trap heat at the Earth's surface, also act like radiators to lower temperatures in the stratosphere. As a result, the icy polar clouds this past winter grew larger and colder and lasted longer than expected, he said. Although the clouds of ice and nitric acid particles form high in the stratosphere directly over
Re: [CTRL] Fwd: There Goes the Ozone Layer
In a message dated 06/04/2000 10:39:21 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Don't forget that the Antarctica volcano, Mt. Erebus, is a major contributor of halogens to the Antarctic atmosphere. In 1991 Mt. Erebus produced 14,600 tons of HCl and 6,600 tons of HF. ## Good information Richard. Here's a fair comparison. If we let 1 gallon of water represent the total amount of chlorine in all the CFCs ever produced by man, then all the chlorine released by the oceans and by volcanoes over the last 200 years would be represented by the water in Lake Michigan! It is such a tiny amount in comparison to the chlorine that is released by natural processes, as to be meaningless. Consider that the Ozone Layer has continued to exist for millions of years in spite of eras of high volcanic activity and in spite of the massive quantities of chlorine produced by the oceans. Now we are supposed to believe that the CFCs in spraycans and in air conditioners is "destroying the ozone". It's totally laughable, once you know the facts. Trouble is, most folks get their information and their opinions from television. If Dan Rather, and Brokaw, and Jennings say it, then it must be true. Even worse.if they don't say it, then it can't be true. Regards to All Nakano A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/"www.ctrl.org/A DECLARATION DISCLAIMER == CTRL is a discussion informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substancenot soap-boxingplease! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright fraudsis used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html A HREF="http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html"Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]/A http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/"ctrl/A To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
Re: [CTRL] Fwd: There Goes the Ozone Layer
I can fill a balloon with dirt and it will fall to the ground too, but I have seen dust (dirt) in the air many times. a cold (hydrogen) balloon will not float cold smoke will not float but wind can pick up either one and carry it. How many bacteria live in those areas and which bacteria has the upper hand if so? ThePiedPiper 03June2000 [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 06/02/2000 11:51:44 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: OZONE HOLE OVER ARCTIC SURPRISES RESEARCH TEAM by David Perlman, Science Editor San Francisco Chronicle, May 31, 2000 "The findings are surprising because scientists had expected that the protective ozone layer would recover after ozone-destroying chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, were banned by international treaty four years ago." __ THIS REPORT IS A LIE! IT IS PURE UNADULTERATED BULLHOCKEY! THIS ISN'T AN OPINION.IT IS A FACT! HERE IS THE TRUTH. CFC gasses (chlorofluorocarbons) are five time heavier than air. If you fill a balloon with CFC gas (Freon), tie off the balloon and then release the balloonIT WILL IMMEDIATELY FALL TO THE GROUND! It does not rise into the air as a balloon filled with helium will do. OK.so what? Soheavy CFC gas molecules do not rise high into the atmosphere and destroy the Ozone Layer which is 12 to 30 miles above the earth's surface. THERE ARE NO CFC GASSES 12 TO 30 MILES UP IN THE SKY! Even if some were intentionally released at high altitude, the CFC gas molecules would sink through the air back down to the earth's surface. Once there, they would find the lowest hole or crack they could sink into and stay there. This is basic laws of physics. CFC molecules are extremely stable. They do not readily break down. Then tend to remain intact. The last "C" in CFC stands for Carbon. Carbon is heavy. Carbon is the main reason that CFC molecules are much heavier than air. The following statement in this newspaper report is true but misleading: "Highly reactive chlorine can destroy ozone molecules on contact..." Correct. Chlorine does destroy ozone. However, the world's oceans naturally release millions of times more chlorine than all of the CFC gasses ever produced! Volcanoes also produce vast amounts of chlorine gas. One large volcano such as Mt. St. Helen's or Mt. Penitubo in the Phillipines, sprew vast amounts of chlorine gas into the air. But the ozone layer has existed for millions of years despite these large quantities of chlorine produced by the oceans and by volcanoes. SO WHY ARE WE BEING LIED TO ABOUT THIS?? WHY ARE FALSE AND MISLEADING NEWS STORIES LIKE THIS ONE BEING PUT OUT IN THE ALLEGED NEWS MEDIA? BECAUSE THE OZONE LAYER IS BEING DISTURBED AND AFFECTED AND A "COVER STORY" WAS NEEDED. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT IS AFFECTING THE OZONE LAYER, YOU SHOULD READ THE BOOK: ANGELS DON'T PLAY THIS HAARP BY DR. NICK BEGICH. IT'S AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON.COM THE OFFICIAL LITERATURE ABOUT HAARP CLEARLY STATES THAT IT'S PURPOSE IS: "...TO CONTROL THE IONOSPHERE FOR MILITARY PURPOSES". THINK ABOUT THAT! "TO CONTROL THE IONOSPHERE FOR MILITARY PURPOSES" THE OFFICIAL LITERATURE ALSO STATES THAT HAARP HAS A DESIGNED CAPABILITY TO "ALTER THE GAS COMPOSITION OF THE IONOSPHERE" NOW YOU KNOW...THE REST OF THE STORY! Regards to All Nakano A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/"www.ctrl.org/A DECLARATION DISCLAIMER == CTRL is a discussion informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substancenot soap-boxingplease! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright fraudsis used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html A HREF="http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html"Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]/A http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/"ctrl/A To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om -- Any person can stand adversity, The true test is to give a person power. If you treat a relationship as if you are the only one in it, eventually you will be.
Re: [CTRL] Fwd: There Goes the Ozone Layer
In a message dated 06/04/2000 11:40:07 AM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I can fill a balloon with dirt and it will fall to the ground too, but I have seen dust (dirt) in the air many times. a cold (hydrogen) balloon will not float cold smoke will not float but wind can pick up either one and carry it. I have lived in West Texas so I have certainly seen a lot of dust in the air. Yes the winds can lift things into the air which are heavier than air. However these heavier particles and molecules do settle out. If you fly much, you will notice that even on windy and dusty days, the dust is mostly below 10,000 ft. But this isn't even the point. Even if minute quantities of CFC gasses make it up to above 30,000 ft. the amount is absolutely unimportant. Why? Chlorine is the culprit. Chlorine is the first C in CFC. Chlorine is what destroys ozone on contact. Chlorine is produced is great quantities by the oceans. So much so, that the chlorine in all the CFCs ever produced is negligible in comparison. The Ozone Layer is extremely important to all life on earth. The Ozone Layer is being disturbed by manmade technology. But the Ozone Layer is not being harmed by CFCs. This is the "Cover Story" which has been fed to the public. It simply is not true. Regards to All Nakano A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/"www.ctrl.org/A DECLARATION DISCLAIMER == CTRL is a discussion informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substancenot soap-boxingplease! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright fraudsis used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html A HREF="http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html"Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]/A http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/"ctrl/A To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
Re: [CTRL] Fwd: There Goes the Ozone Layer
Don't forget that the Antarctica volcano, Mt. Erebus, is a major contributor of halogens to the Antarctic atmosphere. In 1991 Mt. Erebus produced 14,600 tons of HCl and 6,600 tons of HF. "[to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]" wrote: In a message dated 06/04/2000 11:40:07 AM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I can fill a balloon with dirt and it will fall to the ground too, but I have seen dust (dirt) in the air many times. a cold (hydrogen) balloon will not float cold smoke will not float but wind can pick up either one and carry it. I have lived in West Texas so I have certainly seen a lot of dust in the air. Yes the winds can lift things into the air which are heavier than air. However these heavier particles and molecules do settle out. If you fly much, you will notice that even on windy and dusty days, the dust is mostly below 10,000 ft. But this isn't even the point. Even if minute quantities of CFC gasses make it up to above 30,000 ft. the amount is absolutely unimportant. Why? Chlorine is the culprit. Chlorine is the first C in CFC. Chlorine is what destroys ozone on contact. Chlorine is produced is great quantities by the oceans. So much so, that the chlorine in all the CFCs ever produced is negligible in comparison. The Ozone Layer is extremely important to all life on earth. The Ozone Layer is being disturbed by manmade technology. But the Ozone Layer is not being harmed by CFCs. This is the "Cover Story" which has been fed to the public. It simply is not true. Regards to All Nakano 1stUp.com - Free the Web Get your free Internet access at http://www.1stUp.com A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/"www.ctrl.org/A DECLARATION DISCLAIMER == CTRL is a discussion informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substancenot soap-boxingplease! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright fraudsis used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html A HREF="http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html"Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]/A http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/"ctrl/A To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
Re: [CTRL] Fwd: There Goes the Ozone Layer
In a message dated 06/02/2000 11:51:44 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: OZONE HOLE OVER ARCTIC SURPRISES RESEARCH TEAM by David Perlman, Science Editor San Francisco Chronicle, May 31, 2000 "The findings are surprising because scientists had expected that the protective ozone layer would recover after ozone-destroying chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, were banned by international treaty four years ago." __ THIS REPORT IS A LIE! IT IS PURE UNADULTERATED BULLHOCKEY! THIS ISN'T AN OPINION.IT IS A FACT! HERE IS THE TRUTH. CFC gasses (chlorofluorocarbons) are five time heavier than air. If you fill a balloon with CFC gas (Freon), tie off the balloon and then release the balloonIT WILL IMMEDIATELY FALL TO THE GROUND! It does not rise into the air as a balloon filled with helium will do. OK.so what? Soheavy CFC gas molecules do not rise high into the atmosphere and destroy the Ozone Layer which is 12 to 30 miles above the earth's surface. THERE ARE NO CFC GASSES 12 TO 30 MILES UP IN THE SKY! Even if some were intentionally released at high altitude, the CFC gas molecules would sink through the air back down to the earth's surface. Once there, they would find the lowest hole or crack they could sink into and stay there. This is basic laws of physics. CFC molecules are extremely stable. They do not readily break down. Then tend to remain intact. The last "C" in CFC stands for Carbon. Carbon is heavy. Carbon is the main reason that CFC molecules are much heavier than air. The following statement in this newspaper report is true but misleading: "Highly reactive chlorine can destroy ozone molecules on contact..." Correct. Chlorine does destroy ozone. However, the world's oceans naturally release millions of times more chlorine than all of the CFC gasses ever produced! Volcanoes also produce vast amounts of chlorine gas. One large volcano such as Mt. St. Helen's or Mt. Penitubo in the Phillipines, sprew vast amounts of chlorine gas into the air. But the ozone layer has existed for millions of years despite these large quantities of chlorine produced by the oceans and by volcanoes. SO WHY ARE WE BEING LIED TO ABOUT THIS?? WHY ARE FALSE AND MISLEADING NEWS STORIES LIKE THIS ONE BEING PUT OUT IN THE ALLEGED NEWS MEDIA? BECAUSE THE OZONE LAYER IS BEING DISTURBED AND AFFECTED AND A "COVER STORY" WAS NEEDED. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT IS AFFECTING THE OZONE LAYER, YOU SHOULD READ THE BOOK: ANGELS DON'T PLAY THIS HAARP BY DR. NICK BEGICH. IT'S AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON.COM THE OFFICIAL LITERATURE ABOUT HAARP CLEARLY STATES THAT IT'S PURPOSE IS: "...TO CONTROL THE IONOSPHERE FOR MILITARY PURPOSES". THINK ABOUT THAT! "TO CONTROL THE IONOSPHERE FOR MILITARY PURPOSES" THE OFFICIAL LITERATURE ALSO STATES THAT HAARP HAS A DESIGNED CAPABILITY TO "ALTER THE GAS COMPOSITION OF THE IONOSPHERE" NOW YOU KNOW...THE REST OF THE STORY! Regards to All Nakano A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/"www.ctrl.org/A DECLARATION DISCLAIMER == CTRL is a discussion informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substancenot soap-boxingplease! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright fraudsis used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html A HREF="http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html"Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]/A http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/"ctrl/A To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
Re: [CTRL] Fwd: There Goes the Ozone Layer
Thank you Nakano. As if we did not have enough to worry about. Recently Clinton is now going to share our defense missile systems, etc. with our "allies" if you call any ofo these allies, friends. One known fact according to one item on the web, our entire defense system is hooked up with weather modification program and radar system, and presumably this means this think called HAARP. Some time ago there was a lot of controversy with regard to the US Patent Office; there were those who said secret information of a critical nature was being divulged to friends and foe alike. There was one story with regard to John F. Kennedy not providing a flight plan the night he crashed into the ocean. Flighs off schedule and the Alaska crash, everything from the Egyptian flight, this might have begun years ago in New Mexica area, etc. For it seems airplanes would suddenly lose power, for instance the crash of this Mike Todd, one of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands, at that time there were many reports of something draining the energy, and motors of automobiles suddenly cut off. Something seemingly consuming all energy. If it is true that this Neutron Bomb which Clinton arranged for Chinese to build is useless as we have a defense system which would send any hostile missiles back to point of origin, it would be ironic if Clinton did not have the last laugh. All these "allies" who are supposed to be friends, have stolen much information but it would seem to be, many traps were laid to permit stealing of same. It would seem to me that the best defense, is a good defense. Show me in our US Constitution any word that gives the USA the right to commit any action unless it is strictly defensive. So in this day and age, the wonders of HAARP, which is logically a defensive system built to protect American from nuclear attack, it would bee to me the best way to put the neutron bomb out of business is to share it with all "allies", that is if you call some of these countries allies. This O Zone propaganda was put out in the 70 period in the Archie Bunker Show, for after all, we were told then that using a spray can in our bathroom, was depleting the O Zone. What lies. The only thing use of some of these aerosol cans caused, was cancer - and our government has yet, to admit that. So O Zone? Ronald Reagan warned people to start wearing sun glasses, and the $100 sunglasses became popular among the kids. Nancy Reagan even began to carry a little umbrella which did not quite make the fashion pages, for fashion had been taken over by men who liked to dress women up as little men with the new sick look. So we have a defense system that is so secret that the American people do not know about it, only what they might read in science fiction magazines - this system is so secret, we are going to give it to our "allies". Of course, China and Russia have already stolen this by now, for you see we have more enemy within, than from without. Somebody is trying to terrify the American people. The question is, why? A. Saba Dare To Call It Conspiracy A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/"www.ctrl.org/A DECLARATION DISCLAIMER == CTRL is a discussion informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substancenot soap-boxingplease! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright fraudsis used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html A HREF="http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html"Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]/A http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/"ctrl/A To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
[CTRL] Fwd: There Goes the Ozone Layer
OZONE HOLE OVER ARCTIC SURPRISES RESEARCH TEAM by David Perlman, Science Editor San Francisco Chronicle, May 31, 2000 Clouds of ice and acid high in the stratosphere disrupted the Northern Hemisphere's protective ozone layer this past winter, and scientists say the ozone loss poses potentially serious health problems for humans if it repeats in coming winters. An international team of researchers detected the unusually cold ozone-destroying clouds in the stratosphere over the Arctic last winter, and the team's leaders reported their findings yesterday at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union in Washington. The findings are surprising because scientists had expected that the protective ozone layer would recover after ozone-destroying chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, were banned by international treaty four years ago. But that has not happened, the team of nearly 200 scientists and technicians found. Instead, the same phenomenon that has opened a growing "ozone hole" over Antarctica each winter for more than 10 years is occurring over the Arctic Circle as well. "Ozone levels over the Arctic have been dropping for the past four to five years," said Brian Toon, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado and a leader of the team. "As a result the stratosphere over the Arctic is beginning to look a lot like the Antarctic. "This is the first time, in fact, that we've seen the polar clouds lasting long enough to affect the ozone layer significantly," he said. The ozone loss in the Southern Hemisphere is already causing health problems for many people in Australia and New Zealand because the sun's damaging ultra-violet radiation is no longer blocked by the layer of ozone. The same could happen in populated areas of the United States, Canada and Russia if the Northern Hemisphere's ozone layer continues to thin, the researchers said. Using an array of satellites, weather balloons and high-flying aircraft, the scientists found that polar stratospheric clouds made of ice particles and nitric acid were larger and lasted longer than researchers had found in previous years. The clouds, known as PSCs, generally form about 13 miles above the poles each winter when temperatures drop to 110 degrees below zero, Toon said. This past winter, he reported, instruments on satellites, balloons and two high-altitude aircraft all showed that ozone concentrations in some parts of the stratosphere declined as much as 60 percent between November and March. The complex chemistry that caused the loss begins with the presence of chlorine atoms. Chlorine was released into the atmosphere for many years in the form of CFCs, which were once widely used for refrigerators, air-conditioning equipment and many industrial products. CFCs were banned in 1996 by a treaty known as the Montreal Protocol, but they are expected to linger in the upper atmosphere for many more years, scientists say. 'DRIZZLING' NITRIC ACID Highly reactive chlorine can destroy ozone molecules on contact, and it is the nitric acid in the polar clouds that transforms normally inert chlorine into the form that tears the ozone apart. This past winter, the researchers found, nitric acid "drizzled" down from clouds high in the stratosphere and turned even more chlorine than usual into the ozone-destroying form. Much of what the international team discovered was also predicted in computer models developed by a separate group of scientists led by Azadeh Tabazadeh, an atmospheric physicist at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View. The arctic atmosphere is not nearly as cold as it is over Antarctica, but it has been growing colder over the past 20 years by more than four degrees per decade, Tabazadeh said in an interview last week. Because of this, she said, this past winter should in fact have seen colder than normal temperatures over the Arctic, leading in turn to larger and longer-lasting polar stratospheric clouds. That is precisely what happened this past winter, and as a result the nitric acid compounds high in the stratosphere dropped down to turn the lingering chlorine atoms into ozone destroyers. "If our model is correct and if our estimate of the cooling rate in the stratosphere is correct, then we predict that by 2010 ozone in the (arctic) stratosphere will be decreased by up to 30 percent," Tabazadeh said. 'GREENHOUSE GASES' Ironically, the situation is made worse by heat-trapping gases that have been linked to global warming. Toon said the "greenhouse gases" in Earth's upper atmosphere that continually trap heat at the Earth's surface, also act like radiators to lower temperatures in the stratosphere. As a result, the icy polar clouds this past winter grew larger and colder and lasted longer than expected, he said. Although the clouds of ice and nitric acid particles form high in the stratosphere directly over
