Knowra Stratosphere Stratosphere The stratosphere is the atmospheric layer above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. Ozone absorption makes its temperature generally rise with altitude.
Ozone layer : A region of the stratosphere where ozone concentrations are relatively high and absorb much of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Its absorption of ultraviolet radiation creates the stratosphere’s temperature inversion.
Stratospheric balloon : A balloon designed to carry instruments or payloads into the stratosphere, often using helium or hydrogen for lift. Balloons provide relatively inexpensive access to the stratosphere for observation and experiments.
Troposphere : The lowest atmospheric layer, where most weather occurs and temperature generally decreases with altitude. The troposphere’s usual cooling with height contrasts with stratospheric warming.
Antarctic ozone hole : A seasonal springtime depletion of stratospheric ozone over Antarctica, driven by halogen chemistry and polar conditions. It is the most striking regional example of human-caused change in stratospheric ozone.
Atmosphere of Earth : The gaseous envelope surrounding Earth, structured into layers by temperature, composition, and physical processes. The stratosphere is one major layer of Earth’s atmosphere.
Atmospheric temperature inversion : An atmospheric condition in which temperature increases with height over a vertical layer. The stratosphere’s temperature rises with altitude, unlike the troposphere below.
High-altitude balloon : A balloon that ascends into the upper atmosphere, commonly for research, communications, or recreation. Stratospheric balloons are one specialized form of high-altitude balloon.
Mesosphere : The atmospheric layer above the stratosphere, where temperature generally decreases with altitude. The mesosphere reverses the stratosphere’s temperature trend.
Polar stratospheric cloud : A cloud of ice or nitric-acid particles that forms in the very cold polar stratosphere. Its surfaces enable chemical reactions that accelerate ozone destruction in polar spring.
Atmospheric circulation : The large-scale movement of air through Earth’s atmosphere, driven by uneven heating and planetary rotation. Stratospheric circulation is part of the atmosphere’s global movement of heat and momentum.
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