Stratosphere Study Guide

What is the stratosphere?

The stratosphere is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It is characterized by the presence of the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the solar ultraviolet radiation, playing a crucial role in protecting life on Earth from harmful UV rays.

Composition of the stratosphere:

Ozone: The stratosphere contains a higher concentration of ozone compared to the troposphere, forming the ozone layer.
Nitrogen and oxygen: These are the primary gases present in the stratosphere, similar to the composition of the troposphere.
Trace gases: Small amounts of other gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane, are also found in the stratosphere.

Characteristics of the stratosphere:

Temperature: The temperature in the lower stratosphere remains relatively constant or may slightly increase with altitude due to the absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer.
Stratospheric winds: Strong, steady westerly winds called the polar night jet stream and the subtropical jet stream are present in the stratosphere.
Flight and weather: Commercial airplanes often fly in the lower stratosphere due to its stability and lack of turbulence. Weather phenomena such as clouds and weather systems are rare in this layer.

Importance of the stratosphere:

The stratosphere plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth from harmful UV radiation. The ozone layer absorbs and scatters the majority of the incoming solar ultraviolet radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface where it can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues. Additionally, the stratosphere's stability makes it an ideal layer for long-distance flight paths and satellite orbits.

With this study guide, you should now have a good understanding of the key aspects of the stratosphere and its significance in the Earth's atmosphere.