troposféru

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to an average altitude of about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). This layer is where all weather phenomena occur, including clouds, rain, snow, and storms. Temperature generally decreases with altitude in the troposphere, reaching a minimum at the tropopause, the boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere. The height of the tropopause varies seasonally and with latitude, being higher over the tropics and lower over the poles.

The troposphere contains about 75% of the atmosphere's total mass and nearly all of its water vapor. This high concentration of water vapor is responsible for the formation of clouds and precipitation. The composition of the troposphere is primarily nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%), with smaller amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases. These gases play a crucial role in trapping heat and regulating Earth's temperature through the greenhouse effect.

The word "troposphere" comes from the Greek word "tropos," meaning "turn" or "change," reflecting the turbulent and constantly changing nature of this atmospheric layer. Air circulation within the troposphere, driven by solar heating and the Earth's rotation, is responsible for distributing heat and moisture across the globe, influencing climate patterns. Understanding the dynamics of the troposphere is vital for weather forecasting and for studying the impacts of climate change.