stratosfere

The stratosphere is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It extends from the tropopause, which is about 7 to 20 kilometers (4 to 12 miles) above the Earth's surface, up to an altitude of about 50 kilometers (31 miles). The stratosphere is characterized by a significant increase in temperature with altitude, a phenomenon that is the opposite of what occurs in the troposphere below. This temperature inversion is primarily caused by the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun by ozone molecules within the ozone layer.

The ozone layer, located in the lower portion of the stratosphere, plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing most of the sun's harmful UV radiation. Without this protective layer, life on the surface would be exposed to dangerous levels of UV light, leading to increased risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to plant and animal life. The stratosphere is also where commercial airplanes often fly, as the air is more stable and less turbulent than in the troposphere, providing a smoother ride. Due to its stable nature, there is very little vertical mixing of air in the stratosphere, meaning that substances introduced into this layer can remain there for long periods.