Variation of the total ozone column during tropical cyclones over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea

The variation of the total ozone column (TOC) before, during, and after tropical cyclones occurring in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea for the period 1997–2009 is presented. From the analysis, it is concluded that TOC decreases steadily before and during the formation of a cyclone, followed by a more or less increasing trend after dissipation of the cyclone. It is also observed that, when the cyclone reaches its peak intensity indicated by its maximum wind speed, there is a sudden fall in TOC over those regions where the cyclone has intensified. The observed variation of TOC is consistent with existing chemical and dynamical theories.