Stratosphere

The stratosphere is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It extends from about 10 to 50 kilometers (6 to 31 miles) above the Earth's surface.

Characteristics of the Stratosphere:

Ozone Layer: The stratosphere contains a higher concentration of ozone (O3) compared to the other layers of the atmosphere. This ozone layer helps absorb and reflect the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting life on Earth.
Temperature: Unlike the troposphere where the temperature decreases with altitude, the temperature in the stratosphere actually increases with altitude due to the absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer.
Stratospheric Winds: The stratosphere is characterized by strong, stable winds, including the polar vortex which forms over the polar regions in winter.
Jet Streams: High-altitude jet streams, which are fast-flowing air currents, are found within the stratosphere.

Importance of the Stratosphere:

The stratosphere plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing harmful UV radiation. It also has implications for aviation and climate patterns, as well as being a region of interest for studying the effects of human activities, such as the release of ozone-depleting substances.

Study Guide:

To understand the stratosphere better, consider the following study points:

Describe the composition and significance of the ozone layer in the stratosphere.
Explain why the temperature in the stratosphere increases with altitude.
Discuss the formation and characteristics of the polar vortex in the stratosphere.
Compare and contrast the wind patterns in the troposphere and stratosphere.
Investigate the impact of human activities on the stratosphere, particularly in relation to the depletion of the ozone layer.

By exploring these study points, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the stratosphere and its significance within the Earth's atmosphere.