Question

What are the important characteristics of the troposphere? Of the stratosphere?

Short answer

The troposphere is characterized by its closeness to the Earth's surface, being the place where weather occurs, with a decreasing temperature with altitude. The stratosphere is known for the presence of the ozone layer and for having a temperature that increases with altitude.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying Characteristics of Troposphere

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending about 8 to 15 kilometers above the Earth's surface. One of its key characteristics is that it contains about 75% of the atmosphere's mass and 99% of its water vapor. This is where weather happens, as the majority of clouds are found in this layer.

Identifying Characteristics of Stratosphere

The stratosphere is the layer above the troposphere, extending about 15 to 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. It is characterized notably by the presence of the ozone layer, which absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Unlike the troposphere, the air here is very dry and it is usually cloudless. Lastly, the temperature in the stratosphere increases with altitude, unlike in troposphere where it decreases.