The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, in between the troposphere and the mesosphere. (The fuel consumption depends on the drag, which is related to the lift by the lift-to-drag ratio.) As previously mentioned, the stratosphere is one of the five layers that make up the Earth's atmosphere. The water exists in the form of vapor and invisible to plain eyes. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. 25. The word 'stratosphere' is derived from the word 'strato' meaning layer, and 'sphere' which is earth's shape. Composed of mostly nitrogen and oxygen, the stratosphere also contains the ozone layer. That trend of rising temperatures with altitude means that air in the stratosphere lacks the turbulence and updrafts of the troposphere beneath. The ozone layer helps protect us from ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun. In addition, solar proton events can significantly affect ozone levels via radiolysis with the subsequent formation of OH. 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. Luckily the situation has improved since the ban of chlorofluorocarbon. [20], Some bird species have been reported to fly at the upper levels of the troposphere. As mentioned in the introduction, certain birds such as cranes, swans, and vultures can fly at this altitude. They result from ionized particles from the sun striking the upper atmosphere above the poles. Terms & Conditions Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. We take a closer look at the stratosphere and its defining characteristics. The stratosphere (/strtsfr, -to-/) is the second layer of the atmosphere of the Earth, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. These "blue jets" appear above thunderstorms, and extend from the bottom of the stratosphere up to altitudes of 40 or 50 km (25 to 31 miles). Ionization takes place in the ionosphere caused by the suns radiation. 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. This layer holds 19 percent of the atmosphere's gases but very little water vapor. The stratosphere is a layer of Earth's atmosphere. Privacy Policy This layer is 22 miles (35 kilometers) thick. Stratospheric warming of the polar vortex results in its weakening. Commercial jet aircraft fly in the lower stratosphere to avoid the turbulence which is common in the troposphere below. Facts About Stratosphere Published: April 3, 2016 The stratosphere is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, just above the troposphere, and below the mesosphere. 3. Certain birds can fly to this altitude, including cranes, swans, and vultures. 14. Stratosphere is the second layer. It helps in propagation of the radio waves used in telecommunication. Starting at ground level, it extends upward to about 10 km (6.2 miles or about 33,000 feet) above sea level. 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. It starts to glow, and the rocks begin to fly off. The thinning is most pronounced in the polar regions, especially over Antarctica. A Division ofAutumn Skies Online (Pty) Ltd Disclaimer It is also roughly 35 kilometers (22 miles) thick. The following list highlights the characteristics and facts of the stratosphere in more detail. They shoot upwards through the stratosphere in a blue column to altitudes as high as 50km! Mercury has an atmosphere that changes with its distance to the Sun. Above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, we have the stratosphere. A good percentage of the earths population breathes contaminated air, primarily sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide emitted by industrial factories. 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. The stratosphere was discovered in 1900 by French meteorologist Lon Teisserenc de Bort. The temperatures in the ozone belt are higher than in the troposphere since the ozone absorbs the ultraviolet rays. If you are interested in the complete structure and make-up of the atmosphere,this articlecovers all five atmospheric layers and their relation to each other in more detail. Certain swans, cranes, and vultures can fly in the lower stratosphere. The lower boundary of the stratosphere is called the tropopause; the upper boundary is called the stratopause. 20. Stated another way, it allows the airliner to fly faster while maintaining lift equal to the weight of the plane. The photosynthesis process enables plants to take up carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. The stratosphere is actually crucial to allowing us to live on earth, because within the stratosphere you will find the ozone layer. 110 lessons. The atmosphere gradually changes as the climate and weather change. It has different layers with different qualities. Ozone molecules in this layer absorb high-energy ultraviolet (UV) light from the Sun, converting the UV energy into heat. Earth's atmosphere is similar to a jacket for our planet. Large volcanic eruptions and major meteorite impacts can fling aerosol particles up into the stratosphere where they may linger for months or years, sometimes altering Earth's global climate. Air density in this layer gradually decreases as you go higher. Create an account to start this course today. Like the other atmospheric layers, it does not have a fixed height but starts at an altitude of approximately 10 km(6 miles), extending up to a height of roughly 50 km(30 miles). It surrounds the globe and protects it by absorbing the infrared rays from the sun. The infamous ozone layer is found within the stratosphere. Providing an environment conducive to good instruction and motivation in which there is an atmosphere of self-motivation and self-discipline in the areas of personal development, character, and academic integrity. While the stratosphere is dry, additional water vapor is produced in situ by the photochemical oxidation of methane (CH4). Almost all weather is in this region. Overall, the attenuation of solar UV at wavelengths that damage DNA by the ozone layer allows life to exist on the surface of the planet outside of the ocean. 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. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. As a result, air circulation is not as prevalent in this layer of the atmosphere, making it difficult for some gasses to escape. Certain bird species like the common crane, whooper swan, and the Rppel's griffon vulture are capable of flying in the lower stratosphere. As a meteor begins to enter this layer, it rapidly bumps into mesosphere particles and scrapes against them. On top of that, air samples from this altitude have shown that certain types of bacteria and microbes are present in the stratosphere, making it the closest to space and furthest from the Earth's surface that humans have found life naturally living. 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 a chemical compound consisting of three oxygen atoms. The Earth's atmosphere is a mixture of several gases. This is due to the temperature changes within the stratosphere. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. The stratosphere has many defining features that make it a unique part of the atmosphere. 12. 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. The atmosphere comprises five layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere. The Earth's atmosphere is made up of roughly 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, and 0.1% other gases. This UV radiation is important for the production of vitamin D in humans, but too much can destroy tissue. It reaches up to the mesosphere, with another thin layer of air called the stratopause separating them. Like an onion, the Earth's atmosphere is composed of many layers. UCAR/Randy Russell It also consists of a layer known as the ozone layer, a blanket of ozone that absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. The stratosphere is located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. The next layer up is called the stratosphere. Stratosphere is the second layer. The stratosphere is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, and lies approximately 10km to 50km above the Earth's surface. They are much similar to warm breath during cold weather. Between the troposphere and stratosphere is the tropopause border that demarcates the beginning of the temperature inversion. The ozone layer helps protect us from ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun. . Many satellites actually orbit Earth within the thermosphere! The ozone layer is within the stratosphere, which protect the Earth from harmful radiation emitted by the sun. These troposphere facts are going to make you see the air around you in a very different light and help you learn more about how we live and breathe. The stratosphere extends from from 4 -12 miles (6-20 km) above the Earth's surface to around 31 miles (50 km). It is the highest layer. 77 Amazing, Interesting, and Exciting Facts about the Atmosphere A rare type of electrical discharge, somewhat akin to lightning, occurs in the stratosphere. Autumn Skies Online Pty Ltd is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies., The Earth's atmosphere consists of five layers. The resultant breaking causes large-scale mixing of air and other trace gases throughout the midlatitude surf zone. This creates a smoother ride for passengers, as there are few clouds or weather in the stratosphere. Fun Stratosphere Facts for Kids. [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. As you rise through the troposphere, the temperature decreases to around -60 degrees Fahrenheit. We are not permitting internet traffic to Byjus website from countries within European Union at this time. Without it, the earths surface would be so cold that living here would not be possible. We now know that there are additional ozone loss mechanisms and that these mechanisms are catalytic meaning that a small amount of the catalyst can destroy a great number of ozone molecules. This diagram shows some of the features of the stratosphere. Clouds form due to convection, which is uncommon in the stratosphere. When the ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation, it actually causes another phenomenon that is used to identify different layers in the atmosphere. Heat is produced in the process of the formation of Ozone, and this heat is responsible for . These gases are chemically inert, although some can react with various chemicals: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, methane, ammonia, ozone, and water vapor. The next higher layer above the stratosphere is the mesosphere.
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