THE STRATOSPHERE Meaning and
Definition
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The stratosphere is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere that lies above the troposphere, extending from approximately 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. It is characterized by its relatively stable and calm weather conditions, as well as an increase of temperature with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer. The stratosphere acts as a protective shield, absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Within the stratosphere, the presence of the ozone layer plays a crucial role in filtering out the majority of the Sun's UV rays, which are harmful to life on Earth. The ozone layer is formed by the accumulation of ozone molecules, which are created when energetic UV radiation interacts with oxygen molecules. These ozone molecules then absorb and disperse the incoming UV rays, preventing them from entering the lower atmosphere.
Because the stratosphere generally lacks significant weather disturbances, it is suitable for some critical atmospheric phenomena, such as the formation of high-altitude clouds known as nacreous or polar stratospheric clouds. Additionally, the stratosphere serves as a crucial pathway for high-altitude aircraft and is often exploited by certain commercial airliners to take advantage of the favorable wind patterns found at these heights, resulting in faster travel times.
Overall, the stratosphere is a distinct atmospheric layer of our planet, playing a vital role in shielding life on Earth from harmful UV radiation and hosting various atmospheric phenomena.
Common Misspellings for THE STRATOSPHERE
- rhe stratosphere
- fhe stratosphere
- ghe stratosphere
- yhe stratosphere
- 6he stratosphere
- 5he stratosphere
- tge stratosphere
- tbe stratosphere
- tne stratosphere
- tje stratosphere
- tue stratosphere
- tye stratosphere
- thw stratosphere
- ths stratosphere
- thd stratosphere
- thr stratosphere
- th4 stratosphere
- th3 stratosphere
- the atratosphere
- the ztratosphere
Etymology of THE STRATOSPHERE
The word "stratosphere" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "stratos", meaning "spread out" or "layer", and "sphaira", meaning "sphere" or "ball". The term was coined in the early 20th century by the British meteorologist and physicist, Sir Napier Shaw. The stratosphere refers to the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere and extending approximately 10-50 kilometers (6-31 miles) above the Earth's surface.
Idioms with the word THE STRATOSPHERE
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go into the stratosphere
The idiom "go into the stratosphere" is a metaphorical expression that means to skyrocket, to rapidly rise or increase, often referring to success, popularity, or price. It is derived from the stratosphere, the layer of the Earth's atmosphere located above the troposphere, which implies reaching great heights or levels.
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