Strong Winds In Upper Stratosphere Trigger Increase In Ozone-Destroying Gases.

Byline: Staff Writers

BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 2 (SPX) -- Winds circling high above the Arctic have a much greater impact on upper stratospheric ozone levels than scientists had previously thought, according to a new report. In March 2006, the winds allowed near-record amounts of ozone- destroying gases, collectively known as nitrogen oxides or Nox, to descend some 50 kilometers [30 miles] from the mesosphere to the top of Earth's stratosphere.

Nox, is a generic term for a group of highly reactive gases, all of which contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying amounts, especially nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. Because Nox destroys ozone, which heats up the …