[4] The temperature inversion is in contrast to the troposphere, near the Earth's surface, where temperature decreases with altitude. Planes and jets will sometimes choose to fly in the stratosphere, where there are no clouds or weather that can affect the ride. 3 It borders the stratosphere below through a thin transitional space called the stratopause. Ninety-nine percent of the gases that compose the atmosphere are located below a height of 32 km (20 miles). Middle School Earth Science: Tutoring Solution, Earth's Spheres & Structure: Tutoring Solution, Earth's Internal Layers: Crust, Mantle & Core, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Stratosphere Facts: Fun Facts About the Stratosphere, How The Earth is Shaped: Earthquakes, Faults & Tsunamis, What is Earth? It acts as a giant sponge and absorbs the vast majority of the sun's dangerous Ultraviolet Light. Because of this, jet aircraft and weather balloons reach their maximum operational altitudes within the stratosphere. 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 The Stratosphere also has three thrill rides at the top. It borders the mesosphere above through a thin transitional space called the stratopause. However, it is made up out of five different layers: The troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. [12] Eustace also broke the world records for vertical speed skydiving, reached with a peak velocity of 1,321km/h (822mph) and total freefall distance of 123,414ft (37,617m) lasting four minutes and 27 seconds.[13]. Folland. [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. In fact, the air in the exosphere is constantly - though very gradually - "leaking" out of Earth's atmosphere into outer space. Temperature increases with height until the estimated top of the thermosphere at 500 km. Theexosphereis really, really big. There are forms of biological bacteria living in the stratosphere. Such is the case for ozone-destroying chemicals called CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Despite Mercury's weak magnetic field, it behaves similarly to Earth's. It surrounds the globe and protects it by absorbing the infrared rays from the sun. It occurs naturally in small (trace) amounts in the upper atmosphere (the stratosphere). 32. Most of the clouds form in the troposphere, just below the stratosphere. 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 extremely thin, which makes it impossible to breathe at this level. 21. The particles in this layer are electrically charged, and when they hit each other, aurora australis can be observed. Within no time, the vapor from the exhaust freezes and turns visible. Because of this temperature stratification, there is little convection and mixing in the stratosphere, so the layers of air there are quite stable. This ozone layer is important for man's survival, and for the survival of life on earth, as it absorbs the UV radiation from the sun that would otherwise be deadly. [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. . 10. But its not the same everywhere. These elements react with toxic gases, salt, smoke, and volcanic ash. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. As you might imagine, the "air" in the exosphere is very, very, very thin, making this layer even more space-like than the thermosphere. They shoot upwards through the stratosphere in a blue column to altitudes as high as 50km! This layer separates the rest of the atmosphere from outer space. 22. The stratosphere also has an increasing temperature with increasing altitude, which is different than what happens in the troposphere. These gases are chemically inert, although some can react with various chemicals: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, methane, ammonia, ozone, and water vapor. Strat means layer. "Strat" means layer. The ozone layer is within the stratosphere, which protect the Earth from harmful radiation emitted by the sun. When greenhouse gases rise into the atmosphere, they form chloride ions that destroy the ozone layer by making holes in it. Biosphere forms part of the troposphere where life exists. It is seen in high latitude areas as shimmering curtains of lights that are visible at night. Some of these waves and tides carry energy from the troposphere upward into the stratosphere, others convey energy from the stratosphere up into the mesosphere. The ozone layer is a layer of gas within the stratosphere that protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet sun rays. 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. Although some experts consider the thermosphere to be the uppermost layer of our atmosphere, others consider the exosphere to be the actual "final frontier" of Earth's gaseous envelope. This UV radiation is important for the production of vitamin D in humans, but too much can destroy tissue. Commercial passenger jets fly in the lower stratosphere, partly because this less-turbulent layer provides a smoother ride. In addition, solar proton events can significantly affect ozone levels via radiolysis with the subsequent formation of OH. These free-moving elements continuously escape into space due to ballistic trajectories. They have been observed by airline pilots and the international space station. Earth's atmosphere has a series of layers, each with its own specific traits. The stratosphere protects Earth life from extremely harmful UV rays from the sun. Its concentration in the atmosphere naturally fluctuates depending on seasons and latitudes, but it was . That's the opposite of how the . This layer of our atmosphere has its own set of layers. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which shields the Earth from harmful radiation emitted from the Sun. We take a closer look at the stratosphere and its defining characteristics. 2011 UCAR with portions adapted from Windows to the Universe ( 2009 NESTA). The atmosphere has nearly 37.5 million billion gallons of water at any given time. 14. 27. In fact, the ozone layer absorbs most of the UV radiation the sun sends to us. You might have seen planes leaving white condensation trails. 8. The stratosphere is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, and lies approximately 10km to 50km above the Earth's surface. 34. [20], Some bird species have been reported to fly at the upper levels of the troposphere. 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. - This is the second layer of the atmosphere from the surface of the earth, and lies between the troposphere and the mesosphere. However, as you enter the stratosphere, the ozone gas absorbs the ultraviolet light entering the atmosphere from the sun. The jet stream flows near the border between the troposphere and the stratosphere. The ionosphere is not a distinct layer like the others mentioned above. Certain birds can fly to this altitude, including cranes, swans, and vultures. [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 . One wild characteristic of the stratosphere is a phenomenon that occurs, which is known as blue jets. Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive gas whose molecules are comprised of three oxygen atoms. 11. The stratosphere is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, laying just above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. The stratosphere is a layer of Earth's atmosphere. It is the second layer of the atmosphere as you go upward. It comprises the magnetosphere and ionosphere. Different definitions place the top of the exosphere somewhere between 100,000 km (62,000 miles) and 190,000 km (120,000 miles) above the surface of Earth. The overall circulation of the stratosphere is termed as Brewer-Dobson circulation, which is a single-celled circulation, spanning from the tropics up to the poles, consisting of the tropical upwelling of air from the tropical troposphere and the extra-tropical downwelling of air. The lower boundary of the stratosphere can be as high as 20 km (12 miles or 65,000 feet) near the equator and as low as 7 km (4 miles or 23,000 feet) at 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. Thislayerseparates the rest of the atmosphere from outer space. As it absorbs the UV light, it absorbs energy. 31. From space, the earth is seen as a blue halo. The ozone layer lies in the stratosphere, which absorb the majority of harmful UV radiation from the sun. As a result, air circulation is not as prevalent in this layer of the atmosphere, making it difficult for some gasses to escape. It contains the ozone layer and is between the troposphere, the first layer of the atmosphere, and the mesosphere, the third layer of the atmosphere. The stratosphere is where youll find the very important ozone layer. Create an account to start this course today. Fun Stratosphere Facts for Kids. 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. 6. In the 1900s, Hungarian physicist Theodore von Krmn determined the boundary to be around 50 miles up, or roughly 80 kilometers above sea level. Without the stratosphere, life on Earth would be very different or non-existent, as the shielding of the sun's radiation is important for known Earth life. The coldest temperatures in Earths atmosphere, about -90 C (-130 F), are found near the top of this layer. Since blue light has short wavelengths, it gets reflected more compared to other colors. The first is due to the reaction of hydroxyl radicals (OH) with ozone. 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). . Convection is when gasses cool down as they rise, allowing them to condense onto air particles and form clouds. Earths atmosphere is similar to a jacket for our planet. The more humid the atmosphere is, the thicker the contrails will be. [7] Molecular oxygen absorbs high energy sunlight in the UV-C region, at wavelengths shorter than about 240nm. The layer made of layers. Discover fun facts about the stratosphere and stratosphere characteristics. The ozone layer is situated within this layer. What are the characteristics of the five layers of the atmosphere? CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. The stratosphere extends from from 4 -12 miles (6-20 km) above the Earth's surface to around 31 miles (50 km). Acidic rains destroy plants and animals, and if it reaches rivers and lakes, it destroys all the aquatic life. 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. Meteors burn up in the coldest layer, the mesosphere. As a result, it tends to trap any and all gases that enter this region of the atmosphere. 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. A good percentage of the earths population breathes contaminated air, primarily sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide emitted by industrial factories. - 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? There are five layers of the Earth's atmosphere. Although the sun and other planets have magnetospheres, the earths magnetosphere is the strongest one of all the rocky planets. Its upper edge has maximum ozone concentration, referred to as the ozone belt. At the top of the stratosphere, the density of the air is close to zero. While the troposphere is filled with a vast assortment of clouds thanks to a gas we know as water vapor, the stratosphere is a vast, clear blue sky. What Is the Greenhouse Effect? 5. These distances vary slightly due to elevation changes on the Earth. 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. The holes in the ozone layer have been recorded above the Antarctica seasonally, as well as in other parts of the world. It has different layers with different qualities. 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). (The ozone layer is too large a topic for this article, but you can read more about it in the following post.). The troposphere, the lowest layer, is right below the stratosphere. The mesosphere is a layer of Earth's atmosphere. [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. Acid rains form when nitrogen oxide or Sulphur dioxide combines with water vapor in the atmosphere. The stratosphere is located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. Certain bird species like the common crane, whooper swan, and the Rppel's griffon vulture are capable of flying in the lower stratosphere. 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). The atmosphere comprises five layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere. The increase of temperature with altitude is a result of the absorption of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation by the ozone layer. The shiny blue marble continues to fascinate us since the time we began walking across its surfaces. 3. The thermosphere is home to the International Space Station as it orbits Earth. Polar Stratospheric Clouds develop in this layer near the poles at an altitude of 15 - 25 kilometers. As the altitude increases, the atmosphere diminishes which is the reason why the air pressure in the exosphere is shallow. Heat is produced in the process of the formation of Ozone, and this heat is responsible for . The stratosphere ends where it transitions to the mesosphere, around 50 kilometers above the earth. 28. Other gases that make up the remaining 0.1 percent include trace amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour, and neon. 2023 TheFactFile.Org. Composed of mostly nitrogen and oxygen, the stratosphere also contains the ozone layer. Unlike the stratosphere, temperatures once again grow colder as you rise up through the mesosphere. 77 Amazing, Interesting, and Exciting Facts about the Atmosphere We live in the troposphere, which is the layer of the atmosphere closest to earth. They are far much apart from that they can move thousands of kilometers without colliding. Above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, we have the stratosphere. It is the only atmospheric layer where temperature inversion takes place. One of the most surprising things about the stratosphere is not its characteristics but about what you find in this layer. This part of the atmosphere is the most dense. Ice clouds form in this layer which is visible when lighted from beneath during sunset. Ozone protects life on Earth from the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is enough to cover the entire earths surface with 1 cm of rain. This list does not contain all the data available about the stratosphere but highlights the key facts and characteristics of this layer. This is also where you'll find low Earth orbit satellites. The stratosphere is abundant in ozone, a type of oxygen molecule that absorbs the sun's ultraviolet radiation and uses it to heat this layer in the atmosphere. The lower boundary of the stratosphere is called the tropopause; the upper boundary is called the stratopause. Above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, we have the stratosphere. These gases are found in layers (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere) defined by unique features such as temperature and pressure. So, what does the stratosphere do? However, just above that is an equally important layer called the stratosphere. As mentioned in the introduction, certain birds such as cranes, swans, and vultures can fly at this altitude. The ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the . 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. Most meteors burn up in the mesosphere. The following list highlights the characteristics and facts of the stratosphere in more detail. This layer of our atmosphere has its own set of layers. He concluded that there was another layer in the atmosphere above the troposphere, which he called the stratosphere. Terms & Conditions The oxygen atom product combines with atmospheric molecular oxygen to reform O3, releasing heat. The stratosphere is located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. 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. 20. Thus it means layer which surrounds the earth. However, the air in this layer is so thin that it would feel freezing cold to us! Luckily the situation has improved since the ban of chlorofluorocarbon. In this article, we are going to learn about the atmosphere. 25. 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 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. Gases and dust from volcanic eruptions often meet the same fate, remaining trapped in the stratosphere for months or even longer. The troposphere, the lowest layer, is right below the stratosphere. The stratosphere extends from the top of the troposphere to about 50 km (31 miles) above the ground. Around the poles, it actually begins at around 7 kilometers, whereas around the equator it can be as high as 20 kilometers. Skin cancer frequency is increasing due to the thinning of the ozone layer. Instead, clouds condense in the troposphere. Air pollution causes the demolition of the ozone belt, and without it, the earth would be exposed to the deadly ultraviolet rays in the sun. Clouds rarely form in the stratosphere for this reason as well, as the air is very dry. All rights reserved. Also, magnetic and south poles reverse at uneven intervals of hundreds of thousands of years. This border is known as the Karman line. This includes its location, what it is composed of, the temperature range, and its density. Earth's atmosphere has six layers: the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, the thermosphere, the ionosphere, and the exosphere. A single chlorine atom can destroy more than a hundred thousand ozone molecules. High-energy X-rays and UV radiation from the Sun are absorbed in the thermosphere, raising its temperature to hundreds or at times thousands of degrees. 110 lessons. Exosphere widely contains particles of helium and hydrogen. The ozone layer absorbs the majority of these rays, shielding life from harmful radiation. Since the ozone layer absorbs UV rays from the sun, it heats up, which allows temperatures to increase as altitude increases. Moreover, the distance between the molecules increases as you move up the different layers. [18] When the vortex is strong, it keeps the cold, high-pressure air masses contained in the Arctic; when the vortex weakens, air masses move equatorward, and results in rapid changes of weather in the mid latitudes. Ozone molecules in this layer absorb high-energy ultraviolet (UV) light from the Sun, converting the UV energy into heat. The temperatures in the ozone belt are higher than in the troposphere since the ozone absorbs the ultraviolet rays. Ozone is a gas made up of three oxygen atoms (O 3). As you rise through the troposphere, the temperature decreases to around -60 degrees Fahrenheit. The rising air is literally freeze dried; the stratosphere is a very dry place. - There are no clouds in the layer, and though . This site is owned and operated by Autumn Skies Online Pty Ltd, a limited liability company headquartered in Somerset West, South Africa. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stratosphere&oldid=1140010063, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 00:23. It means temperatures rise as altitude increases in this region, unlike the other four layers, which are characterized by a drop in temperature as altitude increases. Stratospheric warming of the polar vortex results in its weakening. 26. Sunlight is reflected in every direction by the gases present in the atmosphere. Stratopause is the connection between the mesosphere and stratosphere. It is the only atmospheric layer where temperature inversion occurs and the region where the ozone layer is situated. The layer of very rare air above the mesosphere is called the thermosphere. 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. 15. But there are no mountains high enough to reach the stratosphere, so you dont have to worry about that. ], 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. . Earth is a great planet to live on because it has a wonderful atmosphere around it. The stratosphere is where youll find the very important ozone layer. Ozone is important for ensuring that just the right amount of ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth. Earths atmosphere has six different layers. stratosphere, layer of Earth's atmosphere lying between the troposphere and the mesosphere. It is the only atmospheric layer where temperature inversion occurs and the region where the ozone layer is situated. It changes sometimes unpredictably 16. The atmospheric gases must retain the heat in the sun rays and reflect them to the earth to keep it warm. The aurora, the Northern Lights and Southern Lights, occur in the thermosphere. A.A. Scaife, J.R. Knight, G.K. Vallis, C.K. The stratosphere is one of five layers of the earth's atmosphere. The importance of the stratosphere is highlighted by the presence of the ozone layer, without which no life on Earth will be possible. The troposphere starts at the Earth's surface and extends 8 to 14.5 kilometers high (5 to 9 miles). The rapid photolysis and reformation of ozone heat the stratosphere, resulting in a temperature inversion. Thats the opposite of how the layers work in the troposphere, where we live. [6], The mechanism describing the formation of the ozone layer was described by British mathematician Sydney Chapman in 1930. The exosphere gradually fades away into the realm of interplanetary space. It is easy & understandable to view our atmosphere as a continuous layer of air. Certain swans, cranes, and vultures can fly in the lower stratosphere. It is the only layer of the atmosphere where temperature inversion occurs. As altitude increases, air density in the layers of the atmosphere decrease. This layer of our atmosphere has its own set of layers. 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. [21] Bar-headed geese (Anser indicus) sometimes migrate over Mount Everest, whose summit is 8,848m (29,029ft). Because of this, few clouds are found in this layer and almost all clouds occur in the lower, more humid troposphere. Most airplanes or jets travel in the lower part of the stratosphere. This layer of our atmosphere has its own set of layers.