Troposphere

Definition

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending up to about 8-15 kilometers (5-9 miles) above sea level. It contains approximately 75% of the atmosphere's mass and nearly all weather phenomena occur here.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The troposphere's temperature decreases with altitude, generally by about 6.5°C per kilometer.
2. It contains most of the water vapor and aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere, which are crucial for cloud formation and precipitation.
3. The boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere is called the tropopause.
4. Most human activities, including aviation and pollution emission, take place within the troposphere.
5. The average height of the troposphere varies with latitude; it is highest at the equator and lowest at the poles.

Review Questions

• What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes the troposphere from other layers of the atmosphere?
• Why does temperature decrease with altitude in the troposphere?
• What is the significance of the tropopause?

Related terms

Stratosphere:

The layer of Earth's atmosphere directly above the troposphere, characterized by a slight temperature increase with altitude.

Tropopause: The boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere where temperature stabilizes before starting to increase in the stratosphere.

Weather: The state of atmospheric conditions at a particular time and place, primarily occurring in the troposphere.