A Near Record Ozone Hole in 2003 . ... Credit Copyright: SVS , TOMS , NASA Explanation: As expected, the ozone hole near Earth's South Pole is back again this year. This year's hole, being slightly larger than North America , is larger than last year but short of the record set on 2000 September 10. ... The relatively large of the ozone hole this year, however, is attributed partly to colder than normal air in the surrounding stratosphere . ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...