News by Levels · Level 2 · Student worksheet

Unusual Winds Help Expand Antarctic Ozone Hole

In this lesson: Read the period behind an average and connect weather variability with a longer-term trend.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

The ozone hole over Antarctica grew unusually large in 2026, according to measurements released by NOAA and NASA on November 4. The ozone layer helps protect life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

From September 7 to October 13, the hole covered an average of about 25 million square kilometres. The agencies ranked it the seventh-largest seasonal average in 48 years of monitoring.

Scientists say an unusually strong ring of winds around Antarctica helped create conditions for ozone loss. They also say reductions in ozone-damaging chemicals are supporting long-term recovery, despite changes from year to year.

Source: NOAA, 2026-11-04. https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-nasa-release-measurements-of-2026-ozone-hole

Read and practise

1. What period does the average area of about 25 million square kilometres describe?

   1. One day on November 4
   2. All 48 years combined
   3. September 7 to October 13

2. How do the scientists explain a large hole alongside long-term recovery?

   1. Winds affect individual years while lower chemical levels support recovery.
   2. A large hole means controls on harmful chemicals have stopped working altogether.
   3. Recovery means every year’s hole must be smaller.

Your turn

Write a short explanation of why a large seasonal hole and expected long-term recovery can both appear in the same report.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-2026-noaa-nasa-measurements-november/level-2/