Answer: It is warm above and cold below
Some extra relevant information:
The stratosphere is a layer of Earth’s atmosphere that lies above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It is characterized by its unique properties and plays a crucial role in protecting life on our planet.
The stratosphere extends approximately 10 to 50 kilometers (6 to 31 miles) above the Earth’s surface. It is known for containing the ozone layer, a region where ozone molecules absorb and filter out a significant portion of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The ozone layer acts as a shield, safeguarding life on Earth from excessive UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer, damage to the environment, and harm to marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Unlike the troposphere, which experiences decreasing temperatures with increasing altitude, the stratosphere experiences a temperature inversion. This means that temperatures increase with altitude within the stratosphere. The primary reason for this inversion is the presence of ozone, which absorbs UV radiation and heats up the surrounding air. The stratospheric temperature inversion creates a stable environment that minimizes vertical mixing of air and results in calm, stratified weather conditions.
The stratosphere is also home to weather phenomena like jet streams, which are narrow bands of strong high-altitude winds that move in a west-to-east direction. These jet streams have a significant impact on aviation, with airplanes often taking advantage of their tailwinds to save time and fuel during long-distance flights.
The stratosphere is a region of the atmosphere that exhibits unique characteristics and plays a vital role in protecting life on Earth. Understanding its properties and dynamics is essential not only for scientific research but also for various practical applications such as aviation, climate modeling, and environmental protection efforts.