Influence of Quasi-Biennial Oscillation on the Dynamics of Stratospheric Polar Vortices According to Data of Satellite Observations

The lifetime of polar ozone anomalies depends on the phase of quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). The QBO determines the location of the subtropical critical wind line, which influences the propagation of planetary waves into the stratosphere. As a result, during the westerly phase of the QBO, the strengthening of a polar vortex is observed, while, during the easterly phase, its weakening is seen, which manifests itself in the dates, duration, and intensity of the stratospheric ozone depletion. Polar ozone anomalies occur inside a strong polar vortex from the end of winter up to spring as a result of the occurrence of heterogeneous and photochemical ozone depletion reactions in the presence of solar radiation. The effect of QBO phases at different isobaric levels on the dynamics of the stratospheric polar vortices are studied on the basis of satellite data from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). It is shown that the QBO at the pressure level of 30 hPa has a predominant effect on the dynamics of polar vortices. In the dynamics of the Antarctic polar vortex, it is observed from September to December, especially in October and November; in the dynamics of the Arctic polar vortex, it is pronounced throughout the entire period of its existence.