But the ice melted rapidly over the next several weeks, and by the end of September sea ice had thinned to some of the lowest levels seen at that time of year. Thanks to the frigid temperatures, sea ice levels around Antarctica were at their fifth highest extent on record in August, the Post reported. While Antarctica logged the coldest known average winter temperature, satellites have detected individual temperatures that are far lower as low as minus 144 F (minus 98 C), according to the Post. Ozone protects Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet rays and depleting it can expand the ozone hole over Antarctica. Ozone is a gas made up of three oxygen atoms that is found high in the atmosphere. What's more, a strong polar vortex also leads to more ozone depletion in the stratosphere, which strengthens the polar vortex even more, according to the Post.
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