The stratosphere is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, located immediately above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It extends from about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to 50 kilometers (31 miles) above the Earth's surface. This region is characterized by a steady increase in temperature with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer.

The stratosphere plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing and filtering harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun. The ozone layer, located within the stratosphere, absorbs most of the Sun's UV-B and UV-C radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface. This absorption process leads to the stratosphere's temperature inversion, where the temperature rises instead of decreases with increasing altitude.

Due to the presence of the ozone layer, the stratosphere is significantly warmer than the troposphere below. However, despite the increase in temperature, the stratosphere is still much colder compared to the Earth's surface. The average temperature in the lower stratosphere is around -60 degrees Celsius (-76 degrees Fahrenheit).

Another unique characteristic of the stratosphere is its stability and lack of vertical air movements. The absence of vertical convection in this layer makes it relatively calm and predictable, with smooth air flows. This stability is partly due to the lack of water vapor, which condenses and forms clouds in the troposphere below, but is scarce in the stratosphere.

Furthermore, the stratosphere is home to high-altitude winds known as the jet streams. These strong, narrow air currents flow from west to east and can reach speeds exceeding 400 kilometers per hour (250 miles per hour). Jet streams are important for aviation, as they can significantly affect the duration and efficiency of flights traveling in their direction.

In conclusion, the stratosphere is the atmospheric layer immediately above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It is characterized by an increase in temperature with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer. The stratosphere acts as a protective shield against harmful UV radiation, exhibits stability, and hosts high-speed jet streams. Understanding the dynamics and properties of the stratosphere is essential for various scientific, environmental, and aviation-related studies.

Sign Up