The atmospheric layer above the troposphere (12-50 km altitude). Contains the ozone layer. Temperature increases with altitude.
basicWhat is Stratosphere?
The stratosphere is warmer at its top than its bottom because the ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This temperature inversion makes the stratosphere extremely stable — weather does not occur here. However, volcanic eruptions (like Pinatubo 1991) can inject aerosols into the stratosphere, cooling the global climate for 1-2 years. High-flying aircraft cruise in the lower stratosphere to avoid tropospheric weather.
Key points
- The atmospheric layer above the troposphere (12-50 km altitude). Contains the ozone layer. Temperature increases with altitude.
- Category: basic
Related terms
See also: stratosphere is connected to other weather concepts. Browse the full glossary for related definitions.