Stratopause

Definition

The stratopause is the boundary layer between the stratosphere and the mesosphere, located approximately 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. It marks the point where the temperature begins to decrease with altitude after reaching a maximum in the stratosphere, which is characterized by an increase in temperature due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone. This temperature inversion at the stratopause is crucial for understanding atmospheric dynamics and the behavior of different atmospheric layers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stratopause is typically found at an altitude of around 50 kilometers (31 miles) above sea level.
2. At the stratopause, temperatures can reach about -3 degrees Celsius (26.6 degrees Fahrenheit), making it warmer than the overlying mesosphere.
3. The stratopause plays a critical role in atmospheric stability, influencing weather patterns and jet streams.
4. Above the stratopause, in the mesosphere, temperatures begin to drop again, reaching as low as -90 degrees Celsius (-130 degrees Fahrenheit) at its peak.
5. The presence of ozone in the stratosphere is essential for heating this layer, which directly impacts the location and characteristics of the stratopause.

Review Questions

• What role does the stratopause play in the vertical temperature profile of Earth's atmosphere?
  • The stratopause serves as a transition point in Earth's vertical temperature profile. Below this boundary, in the stratosphere, temperatures rise due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone. At the stratopause itself, temperatures peak before starting to decrease again in the mesosphere. Understanding this temperature profile is key to grasping how different atmospheric layers interact and influence weather and climate.
• How does the presence of ozone affect the temperature characteristics at the stratopause?
  • Ozone plays a significant role in heating the stratosphere through its absorption of ultraviolet radiation. This absorption leads to higher temperatures in this layer compared to others below it. Consequently, at the stratopause, where ozone concentration is notably high, temperatures reach their maximum before decreasing in the mesosphere. This temperature inversion is vital for maintaining atmospheric stability and influencing jet streams.
• Evaluate the significance of understanding the stratopause and its implications for atmospheric science.
  • Understanding the stratopause is crucial for atmospheric science as it influences several aspects such as weather patterns, climate change, and stratospheric dynamics. The temperature inversion at this boundary affects how air masses move between layers, impacts jet stream behavior, and plays a role in atmospheric chemistry concerning ozone depletion. Additionally, insights into this layer help scientists predict weather events and study phenomena like climate anomalies that can affect life on Earth.

Related terms

Stratosphere: The second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, situated above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, where temperatures increase with altitude due to ozone absorption of UV radiation.

Mesosphere: The layer of the atmosphere located above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, characterized by decreasing temperatures with altitude.

Ozone Layer: A region of Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3), which absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.