Stratospheric ozone chemistry plays an important role for atmospheric airflow patterns

Difference of the sea level pressure between simulations with the new model including interactive stratospheric ozone chemistry relative to the standard model. There is an increase of air pressure above the Arctic (positive difference) and a decrease of air pressure in mid-latitudes (negative difference). This pattern is similar to the air pressure pattern of the negative phase of the Arctic Oscillation. Credit: Sascha Brand / Alfred Wegener Institute