Cold temps create Dutch ozone hole

Space & Earth science

Frigid temperatures in Europe and very cold air in the stratosphere have created a mini hole in the ozone layer above the Netherlands.

The Dutch national weather service says the hole will last a few days, and is a different phenomenon than the large hole over Antarctica, which lasts several months, Expatica News and the Netherlands' national news agency ANP reported Friday.

A weather balloon recorded a new record low above the Netherlands of -86.8 Celsius.

The extreme cold affects the chemical balance of the air currents. If low-lying clouds allow, Polar Stratospheric Clouds will be visible -- a rare sight in the Netherlands.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

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