Why is sunburn a greater risk at the south pole, for those working on project "ice-cube", than it is elsewhere

Answer 1

Sunburn has always been a risk in the Antarctic and was so long before there was any ozone depletion. The sun reflects off the ice so there is not only the direct sunlight to worry about but all the reflected sunlight as well. This can burn you more rapidly than direct sunlight alone. There is often very little cloud over Antarctica so little of the sunlight is blocked. SPF30+ cream is given to all Antarctic expeditioners.

"Wind burn" is a misleading term. The wind can dry your skin but it can't burn it.

Answer 2

Good question. It is indeed due to the so-called ozone hole.The discovery by the British Antarctic Survey of the Antarctic ozone hole provided an early warning of the dangerous thinning of the ozone layer worldwide, and spurred international efforts to curb the production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). If the provisions of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer of 1987 are revised, strengthened and followed, there is a reasonable prospect that the Antarctic ozone hole will permanently repair itself, but not before the next appearance of Halley's comet! (in the year 2061)

British scientists began their measurements of Antarctic ozone in 1957. The aim was to understand the important role that ozone plays through absorbing solar energy, in determining the temperature profile of the stratosphere and its wind circulation.
Ozone is destroyed in the Antarctic spring by chlorine formed during the sunless winter.

Answer 3

I assume that the ozone layer has a hole at the tips of the earth, if what i remember from class is right

Answer 4

oddly enough i think that the sun reflects off the ice and creates almost a second sun shining from your feet. also you can get wind burn which is just as bad as sunburn

Answer 5

if you notice the earth is tilted and the southpole is pointing toward the sun about 75% of the year and thats why its day about the same amount of the year just like it is in alaska so there ya go make sure to wear sunblock if ya go

Answer 6

Less ozone to protect you.