The stratosphere is the atmospheric layer situated above the troposphere, where most weather phenomena occur. Extending from approximately 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, it is characterized by a stable temperature gradient, increasing with altitude due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer. This region is crucial for protecting life on Earth from harmful solar radiation.
This stable atmospheric region plays a vital role in global climate and atmospheric circulation patterns. The ozone layer within it absorbs the majority of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation, shielding life below. Its distinct temperature stratification also influences the propagation of sound waves and the dispersion of volcanic aerosols. Understanding its composition and dynamics is critical for predicting long-term climate trends and assessing the impact of human activities on atmospheric chemistry.
