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Earth is a great planet to live on because it has a wonderful atmosphere around it. The atmosphere comprises five layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere. It helps in propagation of the radio waves used in telecommunication. Since almost almost weather activity is limited to the troposphere and almost no water vapor is present in the stratosphere, Polar Stratospheric Clouds is the only visual meteorological phenomenon that can be observed in the stratosphere. This site is owned and operated by Autumn Skies Online Pty Ltd, a limited liability company headquartered in Somerset West, South Africa. The stratosphere ( / strtsfr, - to -/) is the second layer of the atmosphere of the Earth, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. From space, the earth is seen as a blue halo. One of the most surprising things about the stratosphere is not its characteristics but about what you find in this layer. It surrounds the globe and protects it by absorbing the infrared rays from the sun. [22][23], In 1902, Lon Teisserenc de Bort from France and Richard Assmann from Germany, in separate but coordinated publications and following years of observations, published the discovery of an isothermal layer at around 1114km, which is the base of the lower stratosphere. Like an onion, the Earth's atmosphere is composed of many layers. 3 It borders the stratosphere below through a thin transitional space called the stratopause. Along with the neutral upper atmosphere, the ionosphere forms the boundary between Earth's lower atmosphere where we live and breathe and the vacuum of space. It has different layers with different qualities. However, it is made up out of five different layers: The troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. The stratosphere is a very interesting layer in Earth's atmosphere, as there are many fun stratosphere facts outside of its primary characteristics that make it unique. The stratosphere also has an increasing temperature with increasing altitude, which is different than what happens in the troposphere. The atmosphere gradually changes as the climate and weather change. 14. Theexosphereis really, really big. All air entering the stratosphere must pass through the tropopause, the temperature minimum that divides the troposphere and stratosphere. Interestingly, the most significant portion of the atmosphere is located within twelve kilometers of the earths surface. The chlorine atoms are recycled when ClO reacts with O in the upper stratosphere, or when ClO reacts with itself in the chemistry of the Antarctic ozone hole. 9. Also known as Nacreous Clouds, these unique clouds develop near the poles at an altitude of 15 - 25 kilometers (9 - 15 miles) during the winter months. Ozone is a chemical compound consisting of three oxygen atoms. Bacterial life survives in the stratosphere, making it a part of the biosphere. Earths atmosphere has six layers: the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, the thermosphere, the ionosphere, and the exosphere. The coldest temperatures in Earths atmosphere, about -90 C (-130 F), are found near the top of this layer. He concluded that there was another layer in the atmosphere above the troposphere, which he called the stratosphere. As the altitude increases, the atmosphere diminishes which is the reason why the air pressure in the exosphere is shallow. The thinning is most pronounced in the polar regions, especially over Antarctica. Create your account. The atmosphere is dense near the surface of the Earth and protects life on the planet Earth. It is in the thermosphere that the space shuttle flew. ], While looking up at the sky on a cloud-free day, one will see what looks like a continuous piece of[], The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, It extends from a height of approximately 10 km. The destruction of the ozone layer lets an enormous amount of ultraviolet rays reach the earth, which leads to skin cancer and cataracts in humans and animals alike. Luckily the situation has improved since the ban of chlorofluorocarbon. The first is due to the reaction of hydroxyl radicals (OH) with ozone. Because the temperature in the tropopause and lower stratosphere is largely constant with increasing altitude, very little convection and its resultant turbulence occurs there. It is possible to send research balloons into the stratosphere. The stratosphere extends from from 4 -12 miles (6-20 km) above the Earth's surface to around 31 miles (50 km). Brewer-Dobson Circulation occurs in the stratosphere. 29. They result from ionized particles from the sun striking the upper atmosphere above the poles. Thats the opposite of how the layers work in the troposphere, where we live. Moreover, it regulates the temperature extremes that are likely to occur between day and night. In fact, the ozone layer absorbs most of the UV radiation the sun sends to us. The exosphere is the very edge of our atmosphere. Ozone in turn is photolysed much more rapidly than molecular oxygen as it has a stronger absorption that occurs at longer wavelengths, where the solar emission is more intense. Air circulation within the stratosphere is dominated by the Brewer-Dobson Circulation, which is a single-celled air movement that stretches from the Poles to the Equator. The troposphere is the lowest layer of our atmosphere. As it absorbs the UV light, it absorbs energy. 40 Unbelievable But True Troposphere Facts | Kidadl At Home Show All Free Coloring Pages Free Dot to Dot Printables Free Printable Stencils Funnies Trivia Birthdays Books Creative, Arts & Crafts When greenhouse gases rise into the atmosphere, they form chloride ions that destroy the ozone layer by making holes in it. The following list highlights the characteristics and facts of the stratosphere in more detail. 18. 7. Louise Fisher has taught middle school students introductory physics topics for two years. This was based on temperature profiles from mostly unmanned and a few manned instrumented balloons. The exosphere gradually fades away into the realm of interplanetary space. Near the equator, the lower edge of the stratosphere is as high as 20km (66,000ft; 12mi), at midlatitudes around 10km (33,000ft; 6.2mi), and at the poles about 7km (23,000ft; 4.3mi). Instead, the ionosphere is a series of regions in parts of the mesosphere and thermosphere where high-energy radiation from the Sun has knocked electrons loose from their parent atoms and molecules. [19] In 2001, dust was collected at a height of 41 kilometres in a high-altitude balloon experiment and was found to contain bacterial material when examined later in the laboratory. That's almost as wide as Earth itself. Fun Stratosphere Facts for Kids. Ozone molecules in this layer absorb high-energy ultraviolet (UV) light from the Sun, converting the UV energy into heat. The lower portion of the stratosphere is nearly isothermal (a layer of constant temperature), whereas temperatures in its upper levels increase with altitude. "Strat" means layer. The atmospheric gases must retain the heat in the sun rays and reflect them to the earth to keep it warm. UCAR/Randy Russell Around the poles, it actually begins at around 7 kilometers, whereas around the equator it can be as high as 20 kilometers. Variations in the amount of energy coming from the Sun exert a powerful influence on both the height of the top of this layer and the temperature within it. But there are no mountains high enough to reach the stratosphere, so you dont have to worry about that. Rainbow Facts: What Is A Rainbow And How Does It Occur? As this article clearly illustrated, the stratosphere has a crucial role to play in maintaining the atmosphere and all life in it. 11. In fact, the ozone layer absorbs most of the UV radiation the sun sends to us. It contains 80% of the atmospheric weight, making it the densest layer. This layer of Earth's atmosphere is about 319 miles (513 kilometers) thick. It is the only atmospheric layer where temperature inversion takes place. stratosphere, layer of Earth's atmosphere lying between the troposphere and the mesosphere. Above the stratosphere is the mesosphere. It is important because it contains the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful UV rays. The thermosphere extends from about 90 km to 500 kmand 1,000 km above our planet. Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive gas whose molecules are comprised of three oxygen atoms. Planes that are low on fuel also fly at this altitude because they can cover more distance than in the troposphere while using less fuel and encountering less turbulence. Autumn Skies Online Pty Ltd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. She earned her bachelor's in Physics and Astronomy from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. These gases are found in layers (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere) defined by unique features such as temperature and pressure. Sydney Chapman gave a correct description of the source of stratospheric ozone and its ability to generate heat within the stratosphere;[citation needed] he also wrote that ozone may be destroyed by reacting with atomic oxygen, making two molecules of molecular oxygen. The stratosphere extends from the tropopause at about 10 to 17 km (about 6 to 11 miles) altitude to its upper boundary (the stratopause) at . The contrails usually become thin at low humidity and high altitudes. An increase of altitude in the troposphere makes temperatures decrease, which is why it is much colder on the top of a mountain than on sea level. The image above illustrates the layers of Earth's atmosphere and their approximate distances from the Earth's surface. This border is known as the Karman line. It's about 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers) thick. Unlike the troposphere however it is colder closer to the earth and warmer as it gets closer to the mesosphere. - Facts, Layers & Population, The Changing Earth: Volcanoes, Weathering & Deposition, The Four Spheres of Earth: Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere, and Atmosphere, Interactions of Earth's Spheres: Purpose and Examples, Ionosphere: Definition, Facts, Temperature & Layers, Understanding Plate Tectonics: Tutoring Solution, Understanding Earthquakes: Tutoring Solution, Understanding Volcanoes: Tutoring Solution, Rock Deformation & Mountain Building: Tutoring Solution, Shaping the Earth's Surface: Tutoring Solution, Energy in the Earth System: Tutoring Solution, Earth's Energy Resources: Tutoring Solution, Earth's Material Resources: Tutoring Solution, Earth Science Investigation & Experimentation: Tutoring Solution, Environmental Science 101: Environment and Humanity, UExcel Pathophysiology: Study Guide & Test Prep, Stratosphere Lesson for Kids: Definition & Facts, What is Alginic Acid? The other four layers include the troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. It contains most of our Earth's water vapour, and is 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stratosphere&oldid=1140010063, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 00:23. Various types of waves and tides in the atmosphere influence the stratosphere. Paul J. Crutzen, Mario J. Molina and F. Sherwood Rowland were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995 for their work describing the formation and decomposition of stratospheric ozone.[9]. It has increased the number of respiratory conditions such as asthma. The stratosphere is one of the 5 layers of the atmosphere, situated above the troposphere and below the mesosphere at an altitude of 10 km (6 miles), extending to 50 km (30 miles). Composition of the Earth's atmosphere. The stratosphere is one of the 5 layers of the atmosphere, situated above the troposphere and below the mesosphere at an altitude of 10 km (6 miles), extending to 50 km (30 miles). Although the sun and other planets have magnetospheres, the earths magnetosphere is the strongest one of all the rocky planets. Commercial jet aircraft fly in the lower stratosphere to avoid the turbulence which is common in the troposphere below. The air in the stratosphere is about 1000 thinner than the air at sea level in the troposphere. The layer made of layers Above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, we have the stratosphere. Its magnetic field goes up to 60,000 km into space. Above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, we have the stratosphere. The air density is also very low, making it less turbulent to travel through. Once you leave the stratosphere, and enter the mesosphere, the temperature dramatically decreases until plummeting to around -184 degrees Fahrenheit. It surrounds our planet, keeps us warm, gives us oxygen to breathe, and it is where our weather happens. All rights reserved. Air is roughly a thousand times thinner at the top of the stratosphere than it is at sea level. This is due to the temperature changes within the stratosphere. The rapid photolysis and reformation of ozone heat the stratosphere, resulting in a temperature inversion. The mesosphere is a layer of Earth's atmosphere. 3090 Center Green Drive, Boulder, CO 80301, Virtual Ballooning to Explore the Atmosphere, ACOM | Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling, CISL | Computational & Information Systems, EdEC | Education, Engagement & Early-Career Development, Government Relations & External Engagement. [11] This optimizes fuel efficiency, mostly due to the low temperatures encountered near the tropopause and low air density, reducing parasitic drag on the airframe. Such is the case for ozone-destroying chemicals called CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). The importance of the stratosphere is highlighted by the presence of the ozone layer, without which no life on Earth will be possible. Ozone is important for ensuring that just the right amount of ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth. Ice clouds form in this layer which is visible when lighted from beneath during sunset. There is very little water vapor in this layer of the atmosphere, so clouds are a rare occurrence. Current map of global winds and temperatures at the 10 hPa level. One wild characteristic of the stratosphere is a phenomenon that occurs, which is known as blue jets. If you were to climb a mountain in the stratosphere you would have to take off your warm clothes as you got closer to the top rather than putting them on like we usually do. The particles in the exosphere do not behave like gases. measured by the humidity of the air. It is the only layer of the atmosphere where temperature inversion occurs. In the lower atmosphere (the troposphere) near the Earth's surface, ozone is created by chemical reactions between air pollutants . Stratosphere is the second layer. As a meteor begins to enter this layer, it rapidly bumps into mesosphere particles and scrapes against them. This layer of our atmosphere has its own set of layers. The shiny blue marble continues to fascinate us since the time we began walking across its surfaces. She currently works as a physicist assistant at a cancer treatment center. On October 24, 2014, Alan Eustace became the record holder for reaching the altitude record for a manned balloon at 135,890ft (41,419m). Because of this, the top of the thermosphere can be found anywhere between 500 and 1,000 km (311 to 621 miles) above the ground. Strat means layer. Stratospheric warming of the polar vortex results in its weakening. 90% of the ozone layer is found in the stratosphere's upper crust. 15. Finally, chlorofluorocarbon molecules are photolysed in the stratosphere releasing chlorine atoms that react with ozone giving ClO and O2. Ozone is a gas made up of three oxygen atoms (O 3). Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. As a result of the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). [2][3] The stratosphere is an atmospheric layer composed of stratified temperature layers, with the warm layers of air high in the sky and the cool layers of air in the low sky, close to the planetary surface of the Earth. The troposphere, the lowest layer, is right below the stratosphere. This includes its location, what it is composed of, the temperature range, and its density. As you might imagine, the "air" in the exosphere is very, very, very thin, making this layer even more space-like than the thermosphere. Other gases such as carbon dioxide, argon, helium, and neon occupy the remaining portion. In fact it is not easy to distinguish between space and not space because of the fact that the Earths atmosphere doesnt simply vanish; rather, it gradually becomes thinner and thinner over about 600 miles. Thats almost as wide as Earth itself. Because of this temperature stratification, there is little convection and mixing in the stratosphere, so the layers of air there are quite stable. PSCs appear in the lower stratosphere near the poles in winter. Although humans would not be able to survive in the stratosphere due to thin air and frigid temperatures, there is life that can and does survive there. Most clouds appear here, mainly because 99% of the water vapor in the atmosphere is found in the troposphere. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. The temperatures in the ozone belt are higher than in the troposphere since the ozone absorbs the ultraviolet rays. Earth's atmosphere is composed of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and one percent other gases. The air has a very low density that you get into the interplanetary space without a manifest limit. It reaches up to the mesosphere, with another thin layer of air called the stratopause separating them. Just like the troposphere, its depth varies with latitude. 33. The definition of the stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, extending from about 6 miles to 30 miles, or 10km to 50km, above the Earth's surface. Most turbulence at this altitude is caused by variations in the jet stream and other local wind shears, although areas of significant convective activity (thunderstorms) in the troposphere below may produce turbulence as a result of convective overshoot. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is produced by biological activity at the surface and is oxidised to NO in the stratosphere; the so-called NOx radical cycles also deplete stratospheric ozone. Clouds form due to convection, which is uncommon in the stratosphere. The temperatures decrease by 6.5 degrees Celsius each kilometer, reaching -55 degrees Celsius at the top limit of the troposphere, commonly known as the tropopause. When the ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation, it actually causes another phenomenon that is used to identify different layers in the atmosphere. 28. The stratosphere protects Earth life from extremely harmful UV rays from the sun. The amount of water vapour in the stratosphere is very low, and because of this there are no clouds in the stratosphere. This layer is 22 miles (35 kilometers) thick. Planting trees is one of the efforts that people have done to try to minimize damage and to help rebuild the damaged ozone layer. The Concorde aircraft cruised at Mach 2 at about 60,000ft (18km), and the SR-71 cruised at Mach 3 at 85,000ft (26km), all within the stratosphere. This breaking is caused due to a highly non-linear interaction between the vertically propagating planetary waves and the isolated high potential vorticity region known as the polar vortex. (Learn more about Nacreous or Polar Stratospheric Clouds in this article.). The QBO induces a secondary circulation that is important for the global stratospheric transport of tracers, such as ozone[14] or water vapor. 4. Despite Mercury's weak magnetic field, it behaves similarly to Earth's. Ozone protects life on Earth from the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Mercury's magnetic field is different at its poles. As you go up, it becomes colder. The stratosphere is very cold, ranging in temperatures from negative 68F to negative 5F. This is the opposite of what happens in the troposphere, the layer of the atmosphere closest to Earth. The stratosphere is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, and lies approximately 10km to 50km above the Earth's surface. A single chlorine atom can destroy more than a hundred thousand ozone molecules. The increase of temperature with altitude is a result of the absorption of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation by the ozone layer. The troposphere starts at the Earth's surface and extends 8 to 14.5 kilometers high (5 to 9 miles). He discovered this atmospheric layer by sending a weather balloon up and noticing that the temperature changes differently than it does in the troposphere. The ozone layer is within the stratosphere, which protect the Earth from harmful radiation emitted by the sun. Also, magnetic and south poles reverse at uneven intervals of hundreds of thousands of years. It starts to glow, and the rocks begin to fly off. 2011 UCAR with portions adapted from Windows to the Universe ( 2009 NESTA). A.A. Scaife, J.R. Knight, G.K. Vallis, C.K. As previously mentioned, the stratosphere is one of the five layers that make up the Earth's atmosphere. But there are no mountains high enough to reach the stratosphere, so you dont have to worry about that. It is the second layer of the atmosphere as you go upward. The stratosphere is located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. However, the distance of 100 kms from the earths surface is what is considered generally as an imaginary boundary. 3. The mesosphere is the third layer of the atmosphere (above the troposphere and stratosphere.) The Earth's atmosphere is very important, as each layer plays a role for life on Earth. Due to this, the stratosphere has very little convection, which causes chemicals derived from aerosols, known as CFC's, to become confined to the stratosphere. [6] Winds in the stratosphere can far exceed those in the troposphere, reaching near 60m/s (220km/h; 130mph) in the Southern polar vortex. The stratosphere is a region of intense interactions among radiative, dynamical, and chemical processes, in which the horizontal mixing of gaseous components proceeds much more rapidly than does vertical mixing. Weather balloons also rise up to this level of the atmosphere to collect data without interference of storm clouds. Most meteors burn up in the mesosphere. This layer separates the rest of the atmosphere from outer space. The stratosphere is situated just above the troposphere, with a thin layer of air called the tropopause separating the two layers. It is called stratosphere because it is stratified in temperature, with warmer layers higher up and cooler layers farther down. The ozone layer is very important, as it protects life on Earth from the majority of the UV rays emitted from the sun. Air density is the lowest, and its temperature can increase up to 1500 degrees Celsius. Because of this, jet aircraft and weather balloons reach their maximum operational altitudes within the stratosphere. Ninety-nine percent of the gases that compose the atmosphere are located below a height of 32 km (20 miles). They shoot upwards through the stratosphere in a blue column to altitudes as high as 50km! Blue jets are an extremely rare form of lightning or electrical discharge from clouds in the troposphere.