Summary
We have considered TOMS (2000–2004) and OMI (2005–2021) total ozone column (TOC) data sets for the second part of winter cold period (January–March). Variations in both total ozone and characteristics of the Fourier wave harmonics with zonal numbers 1–5 are analyzed. We have indicated the different behavior of the wave-1 amplitude in winters with sudden stratospheric warmings (SSW) and winters with no-SSW. Amplitude of the quasi-stationary wave-1 is determined by tropospheric pressure anomalies in the regions of the Aleutian Low (TOC zonal maximum) and the North Atlantic – European High (TOC minimum). It is worth denoting that the wave amplitudes and TOC interannual variations are largest in the polar cap. The Arctic Oscillation is one of the key factors of climate variability in the Northern Hemisphere. It is shown that it negatively correlates with TOC; Pearson correlation coefficient reaches –0.56 at 70°N. This corresponds to polar vortex strengthening and cooling with increased positive Arctic Oscillation, which is accompanied by negative ozone deviations. Our analysis confirms the dominant role of zonal wave-1 and its quasi-stationary component in the winter Arctic ozone distribution. At the same time, we evaluate parameters of the waves with higher zonal numbers, mainly wave-2. Besides, we have analyzed distinctions in the wave-1 variations under strong vortex conditions in 2020 and weak vortex in 2021. A negative trend of the quasi-stationary wave-1 in middle latitudes was revealed during the studied period.