An ANARE expeditioner told me yesterday how the hole in the ozone layer was discovered. His story demonstrates the importance of collecting data in Antarctica, even though its significance may not be immediately obvious.
Levels of Ultra Violet (UV) from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere had been recorded over some time, with no change. When the levels increased, it was assumed that something was wrong with the measuring equipment. After being taken apart and reassembled, the UV levels were still high. Through further investigation it was discovered that a hole developing in the ozone layer over Antarctica was allowing the UV rays through.
Who were the scientists who were measuring UV rays?
What sort of equipment were they using?
What data is gathered now in Antarctica, whose value is yet to be known?
Is it important to continue these programmes?