Ozone Research

Johannes Stähelin

The atmospheric ozone shield prevents harmful solar short-wave ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the earth's surface. Since the beginning of the 70s the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer by anthropogenic activities was discussed in science and public. The most dramatic effect of this destruction can be observed over Antarctica during the southern hemisphere spring: the so called ozone hole. However, a significant decrease of the ozone shield was also found over mid latitudes.
The Swiss ozone measurements include the longest total ozone series which started in 1926 and the longest Umkehr measurements (started in 1958), both from Arosa in the Swiss Alps. Since 1969 ozone profiles are obtained by balloon measurements launched from Payerne on the Swiss Plateau. The measurements are under the responsibility of the MeteoSchweiz.These series are the basis of research projects mainly addressing long-term ozone trend analysis.

• Total ozone series in Arosa
• Ozone profiles using Umkehr measurements
• Ozone profiles using balloon measurements
• The North Atlantic Oscillation and its relation to ozone
• Solar ultraviolet radiation over Switzerland