Composition
The stratosphere is composed mainly of diatomic oxygen (O2) and ozone (O3) molecules. Ozone is particularly concentrated in a region known as the ozone layer, which lies within the lower portion of the stratosphere.Temperature
Unlike the troposphere, where temperatures decrease with altitude, the stratosphere experiences an increase in temperature with altitude. This is due to the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by the ozone layer, which leads to the heating of the stratosphere.Importance of the Ozone Layer
The ozone layer within the stratosphere plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the Sun's harmful UV radiation. This shields living organisms from the harmful effects of excessive UV exposure, such as skin cancer, cataracts, and suppression of the immune system.Study Guide
To better understand the stratosphere, here are some key study areas and potential questions to consider:1. Ozone Depletion
- What causes the depletion of the ozone layer? - What are the consequences of ozone depletion for the Earth and its inhabitants?2. Stratospheric Temperature Profile
- How does the temperature change with altitude in the stratosphere, and what causes this unique temperature profile? - What role does the absorption of UV radiation play in heating the stratosphere?3. Ozone Layer Formation
- What processes lead to the formation of the ozone layer in the stratosphere? - Why is the presence of the ozone layer critical for life on Earth?4. Human Impact
[Stratosphere] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Fifth Grade. Earth's freshwater and atmosphere
Study Guide
Earth's freshwater and atmosphere 
Activity Lesson
Earth’s Freshwater Worksheet/Answer key
Earth's freshwater and atmosphere Worksheet/Answer key
Earth's freshwater and atmosphere Worksheet/Answer key
Earth's freshwater and atmosphere Worksheet/Answer key
Earth's freshwater and atmosphere Vocabulary/Answer key
Earth's freshwater and atmosphere Vocabulary/Answer key
Earth's freshwater and atmosphere Vocabulary/Answer key
Earth's freshwater and atmosphere Vocabulary/Answer key
Earth's freshwater and atmosphere
Activity LessonWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE (NGSS)
Earth’s Place in the Universe
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.
Earth’s Systems
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.