Effects of Global Lockdown on Ozone Layer: Studying the Atmospheric Changes during Covid-19 Pandemic Era

Abstract

The COVID–19 worldwide pandemic prompted strict lockdowns globally with human activities, including travel, heating, and industrial operations, coming to a standstill. This paper analyses the effects of the pandemic lockdowns on the ozone layer by studying data captured during the COVID–19 period. We examine satellite and meteorological data, ground observation networks, and model output to quantify ozone level Precursor (nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds) emissions and precursors along with a host of other atmospheric constituents. The remote sensing data indicated significant improvements in O3 concentrations in some regions attributed to lesser consumption of ozone depleting substance (ODS) and pollutants. The drastic O3 changes trapped the attention of researchers who analyzed the correlation of lower pollutant levels and the intricate process of ozone reactions within the atmosphere’s boundary layer