The formation of the ozone hole over the Antarctic is primarily due to the presence of stratospheric clouds that form in the extremely cold Antarctic winter. These clouds provide a surface for chlorine and bromine compounds to convert into their active forms, which can then rapidly destroy ozone molecules.

The polar front isolates the Antarctic stratosphere, allowing these reactions to proceed more extensively.

The chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are man-made chemicals, release chlorine atoms when they are broken down by UV light, leading to the depletion of the ozone layer. This process is particularly intense in the Antarctic spring (August to October), leading to the formation of the ozone hole.