estratosféricas

Estratosféricas refers to phenomena or characteristics related to the stratosphere, the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, situated above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. This region extends from an average altitude of about 7 to 20 kilometers in the tropics and 7 to 13 kilometers in the mid-latitudes up to about 50 kilometers. A defining feature of the stratosphere is its temperature profile; unlike the troposphere where temperature decreases with altitude, the stratosphere exhibits a temperature increase. This is primarily due to the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun by the ozone layer, which is concentrated within the stratosphere.

The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing most of the sun's harmful UV radiation. Consequently, the upper stratosphere is warmer than its lower parts. The stratosphere is also characterized by its stability; there is very little vertical mixing or turbulence. This is because the temperature increases with altitude, preventing warmer air from rising and cooler air from sinking, a process that drives weather in the troposphere. As a result, the stratosphere is a calm and stable layer, with winds being the primary mode of air movement.

Many airborne phenomena are described as estratosféricas because they occur within or originate from this atmospheric layer. For instance, certain types of clouds, such as polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), form in the extremely cold conditions of the polar stratosphere. These clouds are significant in atmospheric chemistry, particularly in the depletion of ozone during polar winters. Furthermore, high-altitude aircraft often fly in the lower stratosphere to take advantage of the stable conditions and reduced turbulence, leading to smoother flights. The term can also be applied to scientific observations or research conducted at these altitudes.