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The rapid photolysis of Cl2O2 is a key reaction in the chemical model of ozone destruction developed 20 years ago2 (see graphic). If the rate is substantially lower than previously thought, then it would not be possible to create enough aggressive chlorine radicals to explain the observed ozone losses at high latitudes, says Rex. The extent of the discrepancy became apparent only when he incorporated the new photolysis rate into a chemical model of ozone depletion. The result was a shock: at least 60% of ozone destruction at the poles seems to be due to an unknown mechanism, Rex told a meeting of stratosphere researchers in Bremen, Germany, last week.
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Read the full article here: http://www.reason.com/blog/show/122712.html

The Gist

"The result was a shock: at least 60% of ozone destruction at the poles seems to be due to an unknown mechanism"

At least 60% of ozone destruction is caused by an unknown mechanism. Until this research, it was assumed that 100% of ozone destruction was caused by human activity. We may eventually find out that the ozone hole over the artic is perfectly natural, due to the extreme weather conditions. This goes to show how little we really understand the earth and our weather.

.. already covered this one in another thread... THE OZONE IN OUR ATMOSPHERE IS CREATED BY A REACTION BETWEEN SUNLIGHT AND THE AIR. in the winter there is darkness for six months at each pole, hence the hole in the ozone layer. any questions?

theres nothing unknown about it except the reaction between people when given half the story for the effect of scaring us out of our wits.