stratosphere
STRAT-uh-sfeer
/ˈstrætəsfɪər/
The layer of Earth's atmosphere lying above the troposphere, extending from roughly 10 to 50 kilometers above the surface.
Characterized by calm, stratified air and temperature that increases with altitude due to ozone heat absorption.
The story behind the word. Coined in 1902 by French meteorologist Léon Teisserenc de Bort, who discovered that atmospheric temperature stopped dropping at higher altitudes. He combined Latin 'stratum' (laid down layer) with Greek 'sphaira' (globe) to describe this tranquil, layered realm.
Word relationships
- upper atmosphere: 'Upper atmosphere' is a broader general term including the stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.
- troposphere: The troposphere is the lowest atmospheric layer where weather occurs, directly below the stratosphere.
Commonly confused with
- troposphere: The troposphere is the lowest weather-bearing layer; the stratosphere sits directly above it.
Word family
- stratospheric (adjective): Relating to the stratosphere, or figuratively extremely high/skyrocketing.
Collocations
- upper stratosphere
- stratosphere layer
- reach the stratosphere
- stratosphere temperature
Example sentences
- "High in the stratosphere, the ozone layer acts as a protective shield against ultraviolet radiation." Atmospheric Science
- "Commercial supersonic jets preferred cruising near the lower boundary of the stratosphere to avoid storm turbulence." Aviation
Memory hook
Think of 'strata' like rock layers stacked high up into the atmospheric sphere. Stratosphere = Layered Sphere above weather.
When not to use
Do not use to refer to ground-level air or general weather phenomena, which occur entirely below it.
Fun facts
- Temperatures in the stratosphere actually rise with altitude because ozone absorbs intense solar ultraviolet light.
Related words
Explore more words
temperate, strata, stratification, canopy, biosphere, rainforest
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