tropopauzë

The tropopause is a boundary in the Earth's atmosphere that separates the troposphere from the stratosphere. It is characterized by a change in the vertical temperature lapse rate, where the temperature ceases to decrease with altitude and becomes nearly isothermal or starts to increase. This transition marks the top of the troposphere, the lowest layer of the atmosphere, and the beginning of the stratosphere, the second layer.

The height of the tropopause varies depending on the location and the season. It is typically higher in the tropics, around 16-18 kilometers (10-11 miles), and lower at the poles, around 8-10 kilometers (5-6 miles). This variation is due to the differing temperature profiles and atmospheric dynamics in these regions. The tropopause is also higher in the summer and lower in the winter in each hemisphere.

The tropopause plays a crucial role in weather and climate systems. It acts as a lid for most weather phenomena, confining them to the troposphere. The stability of the tropopause influences the formation and intensity of storms, jet streams, and other atmospheric processes. Additionally, the tropopause is a barrier for many atmospheric constituents, affecting the distribution and transport of gases and aerosols.

The concept of the tropopause was first introduced by the French meteorologist Léon Teisserenc de Bort in 1902, based on his observations of balloon flights. Since then, the tropopause has been extensively studied and is a key feature in atmospheric science and meteorology. Understanding the tropopause and its variations is essential for accurate weather forecasting and climate modeling.