How does the temperature change with altitude in the stratosphere?
Question: How does the temperature change with altitude in the stratosphere?
The stratosphere is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. The temperature in the stratosphere varies with altitude and latitude, but generally increases with height due to the presence of ozone, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun and heats the air.
The temperature profile of the stratosphere can be divided into three regions: the lower stratosphere, the middle stratosphere, and the upper stratosphere. The lower stratosphere extends from the tropopause (the boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere) to about 25 km (16 mi) above sea level. In this region, the temperature is relatively constant or slightly decreases with height, depending on latitude and season. The average temperature at the tropopause is about -51°C (-60°F).
The middle stratosphere extends from about 25 km (16 mi) to 35 km (22 mi) above sea level. In this region, the temperature increases rapidly with height, reaching a maximum of about -15°C (5°F) at 35 km (22 mi). This is called the stratopause, the highest point of the stratosphere. The temperature increase in this region is mainly due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone molecules.
The upper stratosphere extends from the stratopause to about 50 km (31 mi) above sea level. In this region, the temperature decreases slightly with height, reaching a minimum of about -45°C (-49°F) at 50 km (31 mi). This is because ozone concentration decreases with height, reducing the heating effect of ultraviolet radiation.
The temperature in the stratosphere also varies with latitude and season. The stratosphere is warmer near the equator and colder near the poles, due to differences in solar radiation and atmospheric circulation. The stratosphere is also warmer in summer and colder in winter, due to changes in solar angle and day length. The seasonal variation is more pronounced in high latitudes than in low latitudes.
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