Explain the processes that have a warming effect on the stratosphere.

Short Answer

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The stratosphere, the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, is warmed primarily by two processes: the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect. The ozone layer absorbs harmful UV radiation and emits it as heat. The greenhouse effect occurs when gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat in the atmosphere, creating a kind of insulating layer.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Stratosphere

Stratosphere is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, just above the troposphere, and below the mesosphere. It lies about 10-50 kilometers above our planet's surface. The temperature in this layer increases with altitude.
02

Identifying the Warming Processes

There are two primary processes that warm up the stratosphere: 1) Absorption of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun by the ozone layer. 2) The 'greenhouse effect' where heat is trapped by the gases in the atmosphere.
03

Explaining the Absorption of UV Radiation

Most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is absorbed in the stratosphere by ozone (O3) molecules. This process creates a warmer temperature layer because the absorbed UV radiation is then emitted as heat.
04

Explaining the Greenhouse Effect

Additionally, the gases present in the stratosphere such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide can trap heat as part of the greenhouse effect. They absorb the longwave radiation emitted from the earth's surface which acts as a kind of atmospheric insulation.

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