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) |



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 |