Stratopause

Definition

The stratopause is the boundary layer that separates the stratosphere from the mesosphere in Earth’s atmosphere, occurring at an altitude of about 50 kilometers (31 miles) above sea level. This region marks a transition where temperature stops increasing with altitude, a characteristic behavior of the stratosphere, and begins to decrease, which is typical for the mesosphere. Understanding the stratopause is essential for comprehending atmospheric dynamics and temperature profiles across different layers of the atmosphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stratopause typically occurs at altitudes around 50 kilometers (31 miles), making it an important marker in atmospheric studies.
2. Temperature at the stratopause is generally around -3°C (27°F), representing a transition from the warmer stratosphere to the cooler mesosphere.
3. The stratopause plays a key role in atmospheric circulation and influences weather patterns and climate by affecting air movement between layers.
4. This boundary layer is less studied compared to others, but it impacts phenomena like jet streams and polar stratospheric clouds.
5. Understanding the stratopause is vital for predicting how changes in ozone concentration can affect both weather and climate systems.

Review Questions

• How does the temperature profile change at the stratopause compared to the layers above and below it?
  • At the stratopause, there is a distinct change in temperature behavior; while the stratosphere below exhibits an increase in temperature with altitude due to ozone absorption of UV radiation, at the stratopause, this trend reverses as temperatures start to decrease again in the mesosphere above. This boundary is crucial for understanding thermal dynamics in atmospheric science.
• Discuss the significance of the stratopause in relation to atmospheric circulation and its effects on weather patterns.
  • The stratopause serves as a crucial transition point that affects atmospheric circulation patterns. Its role in separating two distinct layers of the atmosphere means it influences how air moves between them. Changes in temperature at this boundary can affect jet streams and contribute to various weather phenomena, highlighting its importance in meteorological studies.
• Evaluate how changes in ozone levels could impact conditions at the stratopause and broader atmospheric dynamics.
  • Changes in ozone levels directly influence temperatures within the stratosphere, which in turn can alter conditions at the stratopause. For instance, increased ozone can lead to higher temperatures in the stratosphere, affecting stability and circulation patterns. This interaction is significant because it can trigger shifts in weather systems and long-term climate changes, illustrating how interconnected atmospheric layers are.

Related terms

Stratosphere: The second major layer of Earth’s atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, characterized by a temperature increase with altitude due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone.

Mesosphere: The third layer of Earth's atmosphere, situated above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, known for decreasing temperatures with increasing altitude and containing the coldest temperatures in the atmosphere.

Ozone Layer: A region within the stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation, providing crucial protection for life on Earth.