Mini Ozone Hole Over Paupa New Guinea

Solcom House

The ozone layer over parts of Paupa New Guinea dropped to levels under 200 Dobson Units on May 7,2001.The image from NOAA's TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder(TOVS) below shows the affected area.

The commonly accepted definition of an ozone hole, is when the ozone level is below 220 DU.

Ozone is the major absorber of UVB (Ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range 280-320 nanometres) in sunlight, absorbing approximately 90% of it. Many experimental studies of plants and animals, and clinical studies of humans have shown the harmful effect of excessive exposure to UVB radiation.