Organization:
Research Title: Polar Ozone Depletion and Ultraviolet Radiation Effects
Funding Level (millions of dollars):
| FY94 | 5.6 |
|---|---|
| FY95 | 5.6 |
| FY96 | 3.5 |
Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Component:
(a) Subcommittee: Global Change Research Subcommittee (100%)
NSTC Committee on Fundamental Science
(b) Environmental Issue: Chemically Induced Changes (100%)
(c) Research Activity: Impacts and Adaptations: Ecosystems
Organizational Component:
Office of Polar Programs
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Point of Contact:
Polly A. Penhale
Phone: 703-306-1033
E-Mail: ppenhale@nsf.gov
Research Goals:
To determine the mechanisms and causes of the "Antarctic Ozone Hole" and the
differences
between the Arctic and the Antarctic, to measure and predict the increased levels
of
ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface due to stratospheric ozone
depletion
in polar regions, and to understand the biological consequences of those increases.
Research Description:
The Polar Ozone Depletion and Ultraviolet Radiation Effects activity is a focused
atmospheric and biology program designed to better understand how stratospheric
ozone is
depleted and its consequences (via increased UV radiation) on ecosystem structure
and
function, and how to better predict the levels of UV radiation penetrating to the
Earth's
surface. It is very important to understand fully the causes of stratosphere ozone
depletion, because stratospheric ozone filters out biologically damaging solar
ultraviolet
(UV) radiation, and because the polar chemical and dynamic processes that cause it
are
harbingers of future similar ozone depletion at more temperate latitudes. It is
known that
the chemical processes which destroy the ozone are driven mainly by chlorine from
chlorofluorocarbons, but there is still much to be learned. This requires laboratory
studies
of detailed chemical processes, field observation of concentrations and distribution
of
chemical species, and improvements in modeling of stratospheric chemistry and
dynamics.
The stratospheric "ozone hole" has allowed increased penetration of UV radiation
to the
earth's surface in polar regions where it has been historically low. Research is
focused on
understanding the effects of enhanced UV radiation on marine, freshwater and
terrestrial
biota and on ecosystem structure and function. Efforts are directed towards
measurements
and modeling efforts to predict UV penetration through the atmosphere to the
Earth's
surface and into aquatic systems. The NSF supported and operated polar UV
monitoring
network that is located at several permanent stations in Arctic, Antarctic and sub-
Antarctic
regions provides high resolution surface data which facilitates research in several
disciplines. This program has established a (polar) UV data base that for the first
time has
calibrated long-term stability. Data from the last few years is readily available
in CD-format. This has been used to demonstrate (i) the increase in biologically
active UV
dosages in spring (20%) due to a reduction of ozone (-8%), (ii) a reduction in
phytoplankton photosynthesis of 6-12% in the "ozone hole", and (iii) marine
organism
defense mechanisms. However, CFC residence times are ten years or more, and
therefore,
this program must continue for at least a decade to reduce the uncertainty and map
the
future reductions and recoveries.
Program Interfaces:
The study of polar ozone depletion is of interagency interest with NOAA and
NASA
playing a major role, along with NSF. The study of UV radiation and its effects in
polar
regions has been concentrated within NSF, with increasing interest in other
agencies.
The
general world-wide interest in UV radiation-related research has resulted in plans
to
establish a US Interagency In-situ UV Monitoring Network, a national UV
instrument
calibration facility and national data network. This involves USDA, DOE, EPA, DOI,
NASA, NOAA, NIST and NSF. International cooperation includes joint efforts in
both
ozone depletion and UV radiation research.
Program Milestones:
1994: Provided logistical support related to NASA-sponsored aircraft and satellite
missions, and supported a high-resolution polar UV radiation monitoring network
in
the
southern hemisphere. 1995-1998: Conduct research projects on Antarctic
stratospheric
trace gases and aerosols and their relationship to the ozone hole and on the effects
of UV
radiation on organisms and ecosystems; and develop and validate models that more
accurately depict the penetration of UV radiation through the atmosphere; 1996:
Establish a
high-resolution national UV radiation monitoring network.
Policy Payoffs:
Field, laboratory, and theoretical/modeling efforts will aid understanding of the
effects of
human activity on global ecosystems. This research also continues to support policy
decisions aimed at the control of the use of halocarbons. Recent public debate has
emphasized the rapid phase-cut of CFC's and some have questioned the scope of the
problem. This program is needed to assess these issues and to monitor the impact
of the
Montreal Protocol.