tropopuause

The tropopause is the atmospheric boundary separating the troposphere below from the stratosphere above. It is characterized by a significant change in temperature lapse rate. In the troposphere, temperature generally decreases with altitude, a phenomenon known as the lapse rate. However, as altitude increases and the tropopause is approached, this temperature decrease slows down, and within the stratosphere, temperature actually increases with altitude. The tropopause is therefore the altitude at which this inversion of temperature begins.

The height of the tropopause varies depending on latitude and season. It is typically lower at the poles, around 7 to 10 kilometers, and higher at the equator, around 15 to 17 kilometers. This variation is due to differences in atmospheric circulation and heating patterns. For instance, the stronger convection in the tropics pushes the troposphere to greater heights.

The tropopause acts as a barrier to vertical mixing between the troposphere and the stratosphere. This means that air masses and pollutants tend to be trapped within their respective layers. This property is important in understanding atmospheric chemistry and the distribution of trace gases. Weather phenomena, such as thunderstorms, are generally limited by the tropopause, as the updrafts cannot penetrate the stable stratospheric air above. Aviation flights often operate near or just below the tropopause to take advantage of stable air and avoid turbulent weather.