Question

(AFH11-203V1)(pg. 16)
Characteristics of the stratosphere are ____.

Answer 1

The stratosphere is characterized by higher temperatures with increasing altitude, the presence of the ozone layer, and low water vapor content.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristics of the stratosphere are:

1. Higher temperatures with increasing altitude: Unlike the troposphere where temperature decreases with altitude, the stratosphere experiences a temperature inversion. This means that as you move higher in the stratosphere, the temperature increases. This is caused by the absorption of UV radiation by ozone molecules.
2. Ozone layer: The stratosphere is characterized by the presence of the ozone layer, which is located approximately between 10 and 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The ozone layer plays a crucial role in absorbing and blocking harmful UV radiation from the Sun.
3. Low water vapor content: The stratosphere is relatively dry compared to the troposphere below it. This is because the majority of water vapor is concentrated in the lower levels of the atmosphere.

These characteristics make the stratosphere an important layer of the Earth's atmosphere, providing protection against harmful UV radiation and contributing to the overall stability of our climate.