Non-seasonal changes in total column ozone from satellite observations, 1970-86

Analyses of nonseasonal changes in total column ozone from satellite observations during the period 1970-86 suggest, when combined with analyses of Dobson network data, that the largest reduction in global ozone since 1959 occurred between 1978 and 1986. The existence of an Arctic region of enhanced ozone depletion with similar but less pronounced characteristics of the Antarctic region is described. Before 1983 large rates of decrease were confined to high latitudes, subsequently regions of large rates of ozone depletion have appeared at midlatitudes.