What Is the Antarctic Polar Vortex

The Antarctic polar vortex is a large area of spinning cold air that forms over Antarctica, the continent at Earth’s South Pole. Like its northern cousin over the Arctic, this polar vortex forms high in the stratosphere, a layer of Earth’s atmosphere. It is strongest during the southern winter, when temperatures over Antarctica become extremely cold and winds around the vortex speed up.

The Antarctic polar vortex is made of strong, circular winds that trap cold air over the continent. These winds help isolate Antarctica’s cold air from the warmer air of other parts of the world. Because of this, Antarctica stays colder than the Arctic in winter.

One important effect of the Antarctic polar vortex is its role in creating the ozone hole. In the spring, chemicals in the atmosphere react in the cold, trapped air, breaking down the ozone layer, which protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Sometimes, when the vortex weakens or shifts, it can affect weather in parts of the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia or South America. Scientists use satellites and weather balloons to study the Antarctic polar vortex and learn how it affects global climate.

Fun Fact: The winds in the Antarctic polar vortex can blow at speeds over 100 miles per hour!