stratosfeer

The stratosphere, sometimes referred to as stratosfeer in Dutch, is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, lying above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It extends roughly from the tropopause, around 8 to 15 kilometers above the surface, up to about 50 kilometers. Its exact boundaries vary with latitude and season. The boundary with the troposphere is the tropopause, while the upper boundary is the stratopause.

Temperature in the stratosphere generally increases with altitude, a warming caused by the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone in the ozone layer. This ozone layer is concentrated in the lower to middle stratosphere and plays a crucial role in shielding surface life from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The stratosphere is much drier and less turbulent than the troposphere, leading to a relatively stable vertical structure.

The chemical composition of the stratosphere is similar to the troposphere, dominated by nitrogen and oxygen, but with far lower water vapor content. Ozone, though present in small amounts, has a significant impact on radiation balance due to its UV-absorbing properties. The region supports limited vertical mixing, which helps preserve the stratospheric layers for longer periods.

Aircraft payloads and long-range flights often take advantage of the stable conditions in the lower stratosphere to reduce weather-related turbulence and improve efficiency. Polar stratospheric clouds can form in the winter polar regions and are involved in ozone chemistry, including reactions that influence ozone depletion.

Human activities have affected the stratosphere, notably through emissions of ozone-depleting substances. International measures like the Montreal Protocol have contributed to slowing and partially reversing ozone loss. The stratosphere remains essential for blocking UV radiation and shaping atmospheric chemistry and climate.