Stratosphere

Definition

The stratosphere is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere and extending from about 10 to 50 kilometers (6 to 31 miles) above sea level. This layer is characterized by a temperature increase with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation, creating a stable atmospheric environment that influences weather patterns and aviation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stratosphere is home to the ozone layer, which plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
2. Unlike the troposphere, where temperature decreases with altitude, temperatures in the stratosphere increase with height due to ozone's absorption of UV radiation.
3. The lack of vertical mixing in the stratosphere leads to a more stable atmosphere compared to the troposphere, influencing weather patterns and phenomena such as jet streams.
4. Commercial jets typically fly at altitudes within the lower stratosphere, where they experience smoother air and fewer weather disturbances than in the troposphere.
5. The stratosphere can also host unique weather phenomena, such as sudden stratospheric warming events, which can disrupt weather patterns even at lower altitudes.

Review Questions

• How does the temperature profile in the stratosphere differ from that in the troposphere and what are the implications for atmospheric stability?
  • In the stratosphere, temperature increases with altitude, creating a temperature inversion that leads to greater atmospheric stability compared to the troposphere, where temperature decreases with height. This stability reduces vertical mixing and turbulence, which means that weather systems are more predictable and consistent at higher altitudes. As a result, jet streams form in this layer, influencing weather patterns across large distances.
• What role does the ozone layer play within the stratosphere and why is it vital for life on Earth?
  • The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere, is critical for life on Earth as it absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. This absorption protects living organisms from DNA damage that could lead to skin cancer and other health issues. Additionally, by regulating solar radiation reaching Earth's surface, it helps maintain ecosystems and climate balance. The depletion of this layer has significant implications for environmental health.
• Evaluate how human activities have impacted the stratosphere, particularly concerning ozone depletion and climate change.
  • Human activities have significantly impacted the stratosphere primarily through the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances. These compounds have led to thinning of the ozone layer, resulting in increased UV radiation reaching Earth's surface. Furthermore, changes in greenhouse gas concentrations due to industrialization are altering temperature gradients and circulation patterns within the stratosphere. The consequences include shifts in weather patterns and an exacerbation of climate change effects, demonstrating an intricate relationship between human actions and atmospheric processes.

Related terms

Ozone Layer: A region within the stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃) molecules, which absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Tropopause: The boundary layer between the troposphere and stratosphere, marked by a temperature inversion where temperatures cease to decrease with altitude.

Temperature Inversion: A meteorological phenomenon where the temperature increases with height in the atmosphere, commonly found in the stratosphere, leading to a stable air mass.