IMPACT OF TROPICAL CYCLONES ON THE OZONE-LAYER

The question is considered about impact of tropical cyclones (TC), one of the most intensive atmospheric phenomena, on the ozone layer. By generalizing the data obtained for last years three mechanisms of the impact are analyzed and their possible effects are evaluated. It is shown that observed positive and negative anomalies in total ozone content (TOC) in TC zone are due to dynamical and electrochemical mechanisms. The estimates of their spatial and temporal scales are obtained. Specific features of TOC variations at the stage of developing depression can be considered as an indication of its transformation in a storm while periodic oscillations of TOC under the action of gravity waves generated by TC - as an indicator of dynamics of TC. In relation to the global warming effect it is noted that one should expect increasing in the number and magnitude of negative anomalies of TOC caused by TC. This can be treated as a hazard factor at a background of minimum values of TOC in region of action of TC.