Auroral activity and antarctic stratospheric ozone

The AE geomagnetic index and data for high latitude southern hemisphere ozo ne from NIMBUS-7/TOMS (1979 - 1987 and 1990 spring times) have been used to study the possible relationship between magnetospheric phenomena (by the a uroral activity mainly influencing the upper atmosphere at 70-100 km) and t he stratospheric polar ozone variability. Results indicate a delayed positi ve correlation between enhanced auroral activity and total ozone depletion over Antarctica. This delay has been found to average at about 11 days. A p ossible interpretation of the mechanism at work is given involving the role of NO photochemistry in the polar ozone variability. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.