Ozone loss, ozone column and UV index

From the calculated ozone loss [1] and the calculated total ozone column one can estimate the UV index [2]. The UV Index is maximum at noon-time with a clear sky, shown here on the third panel. The black line on all maps mark the edge of the polar vortex at 17 km altitude. One can navigate to a different date by clicking on the arrows (prev/next) The typical development of the UV index over the time and the hypothetical influence of ozone loss on that quantity, can be seen in the diagrams here.

[1]Ozone loss in the partial column between 12 and 23 km (350-600 K)
[2]Calculation of the UV index for clear sky using the method of Allaart et al. (Meteorological Applications, 11, 59-65, 2004)

O3 loss 220424 O3 column 220424 UV Index 220424


The table below gives an indication of the importance of the different UV indices:

UV-Index Evaluation Protection
0 – 2 low No protection required
3 – 5 moderate Protection required: hat, T-shirt, sunglasses, sunscreen
6 – 7 high Protection required: hat, T-shirt, sunglasses, sunscreen
8 – 10 very high additional protection required: avoid staying outside if possible
≥ 11 extreme additional protection required: avoid staying outside if possible
Source: Schweizerisches Bundesamt für Gesundheit