The Antarctic ozone hole is primarily linked to chemical reactions that occur on the surface of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs). These clouds form in the extremely cold conditions of the polar stratosphere, often facilitated by the polar vortex and the polar front. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released into the atmosphere break down in the stratosphere, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms are highly reactive and catalytically destroy ozone molecules, especially in the presence of PSCs which convert less reactive chlorine compounds into more reactive ones.