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Chapter 20: Problem 7

Describe the processes that result in the warming of the stratosphere.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The stratosphere is warmed through the absorption of solar UV radiation by ozone molecules. This absorption gives rise to the temperature gradient we see within the stratosphere, where higher layers are warmer compared to the cooler ones down below.

Step by step solution

01

Define Stratosphere

The stratosphere is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, lying above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It is stratified in temperature, with warmer layers higher up and cooler layers further down. This is in contrast to the troposphere near the Earth's surface, which features cooler layers above warmer ones.
02

Understanding Solar Radiation

Solar radiation is the primary source of energy that warms the stratosphere. The stratosphere absorbs much of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When solar radiation initially enters the atmosphere, most of the wavelengths are absorbed by the ozone layer.
03

Role of Ozone

The ozone layer is located within the stratosphere. When incoming solar UV radiation hits the stratosphere, ozone molecules absorb the energy, and transform it into heat, warming the surrounding air. This absorbed energy is what causes temperatures in the stratosphere to increase with height, unlike in the layer below (the troposphere), where temperatures decrease with height.
04

Conclusion

Thus, the warming of the stratosphere occurs primarily through the absorption of UV radiation by ozone. This absorption not only warms the stratosphere, creating the temperature gradient distinct to this atmospheric layer, but also protects life on Earth by reducing the amount of harmful UV radiation reaching the surface.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Why can astronauts not release oxygen atoms to test the mechanism of shuttle glow?

What effects do CFCs and their substitutes have on Earth's temperature?

How are past temperatures determined from ice cores obtained from the Artic or Antarctica? (Hint: Look up the stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen. How does energy required for vaporization depend on the masses of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) molecules containing different isotopes? How would you determine the age of an ice core?)

Water and sulfur dioxide are both polar molecules and their geometry is similar. Why is \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\) not considered a major greenhouse gas?

Methyl bromide \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{Br},\right.\) b.pt. \(\left.3.6^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right)\) is used as a soil fumigant to control insects and weeds. It is also a marine by-product. Photodissociation of the \(\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{Br}\) bond produces \(\mathrm{Br}\) atoms that can react with ozone similar to Cl, except more effectively. Do you expect \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{Br}\) to be photolyzed in the troposphere? The bond enthalpy of the \(\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{Br}\) bond is about \(293 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol} .\)
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