The evolution of ozone observed by UARS MLS in the 1992 late winter southern polar vortex

The evolution of ozone (O 3 ) observed by the Microwave Limb Sounder on board the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite is described for 14 Aug through 20 Sep 1992, in relation to the polar vortex. The development of an ozone hole is observed in column O 3 , and a corresponding decrease is seen in O 3 mixing ratio in the polar lower stratosphere, consistent with chemical destruction. The observations also suggest that poleward transport associated with episodes of strong planetary wave activity is important in increasing O 3 in the mid‐stratosphere.