Part of our daily routine is to dig blocks of snow and melt them to help maintain our water supply. A typical Antarctic blizzard lasts three to five days with high winds and deadly wind chills. As the wind whips the snow around, visibility may drop to zero. We often can't see own feet during a storm, let alone a vehicle, tent or nearby landmarks. With an eye toward personal safety, we always wait out storms by staying indoors reading or catching up on sleep.
Less ozone means that more harmful UV radiation is reaching the planet's surface.
Every year from September to November huge amounts of ozone disappear over Antarctica and harmful UV radiation strikes the continent and the sea around it. To help protect ourselves we wear protective clothing and plenty of sunscreen. Much of the equipment, especially the tents, is also protected with UV inhibitors. Record low levels of ozone were measured over Antarctica in October, 1998. Scientists continue to monitor the depleted region of ozone commonly known as the ozone hole.