Observations coupled to the overpasses of the polar vortex over mid-latitude Europe in winter 1995-1996

The spring 1996 polar vortex was very deep and cold, with temperatures down to the ice formation threshold, and persisted until March. The northern hemisphere ozone decrease in winter 1995-1996 was larger than ever before in the nineties. Particularly at the European mid-latitudes, transport of air masses from the polar vortex towards mid-latitudes had a noticeable impact on the stratospheric temperatures and composition. Such was not observed that clearly in the latest winter 1996-1997. In this work, signatures of polar vortex overpasses in spring 1996 at several European mid-latitude stations are indicated. Most significant events have been observed at these stations with a delay of one to four days, on the following days: 18-22/1, 14-20/2, 1-6/3, 29/3, 15-17/4. The focus here will be on the two events in March.