The main difference between troposphere and stratosphere is that the troposphere has a negative temperature gradient, is constantly convicting, has lots of clouds and lots of moisture, whereas the stratosphere has a positive temperature gradient, generally stable air layers, no clouds (except at the poles), and is relatively dry.
The troposphere and stratosphere are Earth’s atmospheric zones, which exist on top of each other. The troposphere ranges from 8 to 18 km while the stratosphere expands to a height of 50km.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Troposphere
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Stratosphere
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Troposphere and Stratosphere
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Troposphere and Stratosphere
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ – Troposphere and Stratosphere
– Answers to frequently asked questions
Key Terms
Stratosphere, Troposphere
What is Troposphere
The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere that ranges around 10 km above the ground. Also, it is the densest part of the atmosphere. It contains water vapor, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and other gases. Additionally, it is moist due to water vapor and clouds.
Figure 1: Troposphere
What is Stratosphere
The stratosphere is the layer of the Earth’s atmosphere occurring just above the troposphere. It begins around 10 km on the troposphere and extends about 50 km above the surface. The temperature of the stratosphere increases with the increasing height. In comparison, the stratosphere is relatively dry due to the absence of water vapor. However, the air circulation and other variables are highly prevalent in the stratosphere.
Figure 2: Stratosphere
Similarities Between Troposphere and Stratosphere
- The troposphere and stratosphere are two layers of the Earth’s atmosphere.
- In specific, they occur in the lower part of the atmosphere.
- Also, they are thick in comparison to the upper layers of the atmosphere.
Difference Between Troposphere and Stratosphere
Definition
The troposphere refers to the lowest layer of the atmosphere. In contrast, the stratosphere refers to the layer of the Earth’s atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 50 km above the Earth’s surface (the lower boundary of the mesosphere).
Height
The height of the troposphere fluctuates from 18 km at the equator and 8 km at the poles, while the height of the stratosphere ranges from 50 km.
Containment
The troposphere has many clouds and moisture, while the stratosphere generally has stable air layers with no clouds.
Zone
The troposphere occurs in the zone of convection current, while the stratosphere occurs in the zone of the non-convection current.
Effect of Temperature
The temperature drops with height in the troposphere, while the temperature rises in the stratosphere.
FAQ: Troposphere and Stratosphere
What are the three main differences between the stratosphere and the troposphere?
The pressure is much less in the stratosphere; the stratosphere contains more ozone and water vapor. These are the three main differences between the stratosphere and the troposphere.
What is the significant compositional difference between the troposphere and the stratosphere?
The troposphere has much moisture. The troposphere contains 1000 to 40 000 ppm water vapor, while the stratosphere includes 2 to 6 ppm water vapor.
What are the two differences between the stratosphere and the thermosphere?
The stratosphere starts just above the troposphere and extends to 50 km in height. Also, the ozone layer, which absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation, occurs in the stratosphere. In comparison, the thermosphere starts just above the mesosphere, extending to 600 km in height.
Conclusion
In brief, the troposphere and stratosphere are two layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. The troposphere has a negative temperature gradient, is constantly convicting, and has lots of clouds and moisture. Also, it ranges from 8 to 18 km. The stratosphere has a positive temperature gradient, generally stable air layers, and no clouds. However, it expands to a height of 50 km. Therefore, the main difference between the troposphere and the stratosphere is their characteristics.
References:
- Education, U. C. for S. (n.d.). Center for Science Education. The Troposphere | Center for Science Education.
- Education, U. C. for S. (n.d.-a). Center for Science Education. The Stratosphere | Center for Science Education.
Image Courtesy:
- “Atmosphere structure-en” By Medium69 – Own Work (CC BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “OSC Microbio 08 01 ApoHolo” By Kaushik Panchal – Own Work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
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