Chapter 18: Problem 1

What are the important characteristics of the troposphere? Of the stratosphere?

Short Answer

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The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, characterized by a decrease in temperature with altitude, hosts all of earth's weather, and contains most of the atmosphere's mass and water vapour. Above this is the stratosphere, where temperature increases with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer that absorbs UV radiation, characterized by strong, steady winds and very dry conditions.

Step by step solution

Characteristics of the Troposphere

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface to about 8 to 15 kilometers high, depending on the latitude. This layer is characterized by a steady decrease in temperature with altitude, where the temperature drops roughly 6.5 degrees Celsius per kilometre. The troposphere is the site of all weather on Earth and holds around 75% of the atmosphere's mass and 99% of its water vapour, making it densely packed with air molecules.

Characteristics of the Stratosphere

The stratosphere is the next layer, located above the troposphere and stretching from about 15 to 50 kilometers altitude. Unlike the troposphere, the stratosphere's temperature increases with altitude due to the ozone layer absorbing the Sun's UV radiation. This layer is very dry and is characterized by strong, steady high-speed winds moving in a singular direction, known as stratospheric or polar jets. It also contains the ozone layer, which protects life on Earth by absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

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What are the important characteristics of the troposphere? Of the stratosphere?

Short Answer

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Characteristics of the Troposphere

Characteristics of the Stratosphere

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