Cited by 18Polar Research and EcologyAtmospheric Ozone and ClimateClimate Change and Environmental Impact

Extended ozone depletion and reduced snow and ice cover—Consequences for Antarctic biota

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Robinson, Sharon A., Revell, Laura E., Mackenzie, Roy, Ossola, Rachele·2024·Global Change Biology

Abstract

Stratospheric ozone, which has been depleted in recent decades by the release of anthropogenic gases, is critical for shielding the biosphere against ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation. Although the ozone layer is expected to recover before the end of the 21st century, a hole over Antarctica continues to appear each year. Ozone depletion usually peaks between September and October, when fortunately, most Antarctic terrestrial vegetation and soil biota is frozen, dormant and protected under snow cover. Similarly, much marine life is protected by sea ice cover. The ozone hole used to close before the onset of Antarctic summer, meaning that most biota were not exposed to severe springtime UV‐B fluxes. However, in recent years, ozone depletion has persisted into December, which marks the beginning of austral summer. Early summertime ozone depletion is concerning: high incident UV‐B radiation coincident with snowmelt and emergence of vegetation will mean biota is more exposed. The start of summer is also peak breeding season for many animals, thus extreme UV‐B exposure (UV index up to 14) may come at a vulnerable time in their life cycle. Climate change, including changing wind patterns and strength, and particularly declining sea ice, are likely to compound UV‐B exposure of Antarctic organisms, through earlier ice and snowmelt, heatwaves and droughts. Antarctic field research conducted decades ago tended to study UV impacts in isolation and more research that considers multiple climate impacts, and the true magnitude and timing of current UV increases is needed.

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Crossref · 10.1111/gcb.17283

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Authors
Robinson, S. A., Revell, L. E., Mackenzie, R., & Ossola, R.
Affiliations
  • University of Wollongong (AU)
  • University of Canterbury (NZ)
  • Instituto de Biodiversidad de Ecosistemas Antárticos y Subantárticos (CL)
  • Colorado State University (US)
Corresponding author
Robinson, Sharon A.
Venue
Global Change Biology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2024-04
Volume
30
Issue
4
Pages
e17283-e17283
ISSN
  • 1354-1013 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2486
OpenAlex
W4395480530
Cited by
18
References
84
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 3
FWCI
0.88
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Global Change Biology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Online (University of Wollongong) (submittedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion)
  • University of Canterbury Research Repository (University of Canterbury) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Royal Society Te Apārangi (RDF‐UOC2203)
  • New Zealand Government
  • Australian Research Council (DP200100223, SRIEAS SR200100005)
  • Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (P500PN_206690/2)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Polar Research and Ecology
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Atmospheric Science › Atmospheric Ozone and Climate
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Climate Change and Environmental Impact
Keywords
stratospheric ozone depletion, Antarctic ozone hole, UV-B radiation, snow and ice cover, sea ice decline, snowmelt, climate change, breeding season, UV index
MeSH terms
Animals, Antarctic Regions, Seasons, Snow, Ultraviolet Rays, Ice Cover, Climate Change, Biota, Stratospheric Ozone, Ozone Depletion

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