Stratosphere
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- Region of the atmosphere between the troposphere and mesosphere, having a lower boundary of approximately 8 km at the poles to 15 km at the equator and an upper boundary of approximately 50 km. Depending upon latitude and season, the temperature in the lower stratosphere can increase, be isothermal, or even decrease with altitude, but the temperature in the upper stratosphere generally increases with height due to absorption of solar radiation by ozone.
EPA - Cite This Source - This Definition - Second layer of the atmosphere, extending from about 19 to 48 kilometers (12 to 30 miles) above the earth's surface. It contains small amounts of gaseous ozone (O3), which filters out about 99 percent of the incoming harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Most commercial airline flights operate at a cruising altitude in the lower stratosphere. See ozone layer, ultraviolet radiation.
EPA - Cite This Source - This Definition - Stratosphere The atmospheric shell above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It is characterized at first by isothermal conditions and then a gradual temperature increase. The composition of stratospheric air is basically the same as that of the lower atmosphere, with the addition of ozone.
NSIDC - Cite This Source - This Definition - Antarctic "Ozone Hole", Ozone, Ozone Layer, Ozone (O3), Ozone Precursors, Ozone shield, Stratospheric Ozone, Tropospheric Ozone (O3), Tropospheric Ozone Precursors