Fingerprints of the cosmic ray driven mechanism of the ozone hole

There is long research interest in electron-induced reactions of halogenated molecules. It has been two decades since the cosmic-ray (CR) driven reaction (CRE) mechanism for ozone hole formation was proposed. The derived CRE equation with stratospheric equivalent chlorine level and CR intensity as only variables well reproduced observed data O3 temperatures over past 40 years. predictions 11-year cyclic variations Antarctic associated cooling have also confirmed. Measured altitude profiles holes provide convincing fingerprints mechanism. A quantitative estimate indicates that CRE-produced Cl atoms could completely deplete or even over-kill CR-peak polar region, consistent severest holes. After removing natural effect, hidden recovery around 1995 clearly discovered, while loss at mid-latitudes being delayed by >=10 These results provided strong evidence If keeps current rising trend, will return to 1980 2060, returning layer largely be not occur end this century. strongly indicate must considered a key factor evaluating hole.