Stratosphere

Definition

The stratosphere is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, situated above the troposphere and extending from about 10 to 50 kilometers in altitude. This layer is characterized by a temperature increase with altitude due to the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by ozone, which plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth. The stratosphere's stability influences weather patterns and is essential for understanding atmospheric soundings, density and pressure profiles, and the overall vertical structure of the atmosphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs about 95% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting living organisms on Earth.
2. In contrast to the troposphere, temperatures in the stratosphere increase with height due to ozone's absorption of UV radiation, leading to a stable atmospheric profile.
3. The stratosphere is much less turbulent than the troposphere, resulting in smoother air travel at cruising altitudes where commercial jets operate.
4. Stratospheric circulation patterns can affect weather conditions at the surface, influencing phenomena like jet streams and blocking patterns.
5. The boundary between the stratosphere and the mesosphere is known as the stratopause, where temperatures begin to decrease again with increasing altitude.

Review Questions

• How does the presence of ozone in the stratosphere contribute to atmospheric stability and weather patterns?
  • The ozone layer within the stratosphere absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which causes temperatures to rise with altitude. This warming creates a stable environment because warm air tends to remain at higher altitudes rather than mixing with cooler air below. As a result, this stability influences various weather patterns and minimizes turbulence in this layer, making it vital for aircraft operations and long-term weather forecasting.
• Discuss the significance of the tropopause in separating the troposphere from the stratosphere and its impact on atmospheric processes.
  • The tropopause serves as a crucial boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere. It marks a shift from decreasing temperatures with altitude in the troposphere to increasing temperatures in the stratosphere. This separation affects atmospheric dynamics, as it limits vertical mixing between these layers. Weather systems typically occur in the troposphere, while the stratosphere's stability plays a significant role in influencing long-term climate patterns and upper-level wind currents.
• Evaluate how understanding the stratospheric processes can enhance predictions of climate change and its effects on Earth's weather systems.
  • Understanding processes within the stratosphere is essential for predicting climate change impacts because this layer plays a significant role in regulating temperature and weather patterns. For instance, changes in stratospheric ozone concentrations can alter heating rates, influencing global circulation patterns. Additionally, analyzing how stratospheric phenomena like volcanic eruptions affect temperature and atmospheric composition can provide insights into future climate scenarios, helping scientists to develop more accurate models for predicting weather variability linked to climate change.

Related terms

Ozone Layer: A region within the stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone molecules, providing a protective barrier against harmful UV radiation from the sun.

Tropopause: The boundary layer between the troposphere and the stratosphere, where temperature stops decreasing with altitude and begins to increase.

Jet Stream: Narrow bands of strong wind in the upper levels of the atmosphere, often found near the tropopause and influencing weather patterns, particularly in the stratosphere.