Mesosphere

Definition

The mesosphere is a layer of Earth's atmosphere located between the stratosphere and the thermosphere, extending from about 50 to 85 kilometers above sea level. This layer is characterized by decreasing temperatures with altitude, where temperatures can drop as low as -90 degrees Celsius. The mesosphere plays a crucial role in atmospheric processes, including the decay of meteors that enter the Earth's atmosphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The mesosphere is where most meteors burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere, which is why they appear as shooting stars.
2. Temperature in the mesosphere decreases with altitude, reaching its coldest point at the top, known as the mesopause.
3. This layer is difficult to study directly because it is too high for weather balloons and too low for satellites, leading to reliance on indirect measurements.
4. The mesosphere also hosts noctilucent clouds, which are ice crystal clouds that form at high altitudes and are visible at twilight.
5. Waves generated in the lower atmosphere can propagate upward into the mesosphere, influencing its dynamics and temperature distribution.

Review Questions

• What are some key characteristics of the mesosphere compared to the layers of the atmosphere above and below it?
  • The mesosphere is distinct from both the stratosphere below and the thermosphere above it. Unlike the stratosphere, where temperatures increase due to ozone absorption of UV radiation, temperatures in the mesosphere decrease with altitude. It also differs from the thermosphere, where temperatures rise significantly due to solar radiation absorption. This temperature gradient plays a critical role in atmospheric dynamics and phenomena like meteor burn-up.
• Discuss how the mesosphere contributes to our understanding of meteor phenomena and atmospheric dynamics.
  • The mesosphere plays a pivotal role in our understanding of meteor phenomena as it is where most meteors disintegrate upon entering Earth's atmosphere. Studying this layer provides insights into atmospheric dynamics since its characteristics influence how waves propagate from lower layers. Furthermore, meteor observations help scientists understand temperature variations and chemical compositions within this challenging-to-access layer.
• Evaluate the challenges faced when studying the mesosphere and propose potential methods to enhance our understanding of this atmospheric layer.
  • Studying the mesosphere poses significant challenges due to its altitude, which makes direct observation difficult. Current methods mainly involve remote sensing techniques or data gathered from rockets. To enhance our understanding, researchers could develop advanced satellite technology capable of collecting more detailed data about temperature variations and composition. Additionally, employing high-altitude balloons equipped with sophisticated instruments could provide valuable information about this mysterious layer.

Related terms

Stratosphere: The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, characterized by a temperature increase with altitude and the presence of the ozone layer.

Thermosphere: The layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere, characterized by increasing temperatures due to absorption of high-energy solar radiation.

Meteor: A small celestial body that enters Earth's atmosphere, often burning up in the mesosphere and creating a visible streak of light known as a meteor shower.