Mesosphere

Definition

The mesosphere is the layer of Earth's atmosphere located above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere. It is characterized by a temperature decrease with increasing altitude, which is the opposite of the temperature profile in the stratosphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The mesosphere extends from an altitude of approximately 50 to 85 kilometers (31 to 53 miles) above the Earth's surface.
2. The temperature in the mesosphere decreases with increasing altitude, reaching a minimum of around -100°C (-148°F) at the mesopause, which is the boundary between the mesosphere and the thermosphere.
3. The mesosphere is the region where meteors typically burn up as they enter the Earth's atmosphere, creating the phenomenon known as shooting stars.
4. The mesosphere is characterized by the presence of noctilucent clouds, which are the highest clouds in the Earth's atmosphere and can only be observed at high latitudes during the summer months.
5. The mesosphere is an important region for atmospheric research, as it is the site of various atmospheric phenomena, such as gravity waves and atmospheric tides.

Review Questions

• Explain the temperature profile of the mesosphere and how it differs from the stratosphere.
  • The mesosphere is characterized by a decrease in temperature with increasing altitude, which is the opposite of the temperature profile in the stratosphere. In the stratosphere, temperature increases with altitude due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone, while in the mesosphere, the temperature decreases due to the lack of ozone and the dominance of radiative cooling processes. This unique temperature profile in the mesosphere is a key feature that distinguishes it from the surrounding atmospheric layers.
• Describe the role of the mesosphere in the context of atmospheric phenomena and research.
  • The mesosphere is an important region for atmospheric research as it is the site of various phenomena, such as gravity waves, atmospheric tides, and the formation of noctilucent clouds. These phenomena can provide valuable insights into the dynamics and composition of the upper atmosphere. Additionally, the mesosphere is the region where meteors typically burn up as they enter the Earth's atmosphere, creating the phenomenon of shooting stars. Understanding the processes occurring in the mesosphere is crucial for studying the Earth's atmospheric system and its interactions with the space environment.
• Analyze the significance of the mesosphere's temperature profile and its potential impact on atmospheric processes and weather patterns.
  • The temperature profile of the mesosphere, with its characteristic decrease in temperature with increasing altitude, has important implications for atmospheric processes and weather patterns. This temperature gradient can influence the formation and propagation of gravity waves, which can interact with and modulate the circulation patterns in the upper atmosphere. Additionally, the temperature minimum at the mesopause can affect the formation and behavior of noctilucent clouds, which are sensitive to changes in atmospheric temperature and composition. Understanding the role of the mesosphere's temperature profile in these complex atmospheric phenomena is essential for improving our understanding of the Earth's climate system and its response to various natural and anthropogenic factors.

Related terms

Stratosphere:

The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, characterized by an increase in temperature with increasing altitude.

Thermosphere:

The layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere and below the exosphere, characterized by a rapid increase in temperature with increasing altitude.

Atmospheric Lapse Rate: The rate at which the temperature of the atmosphere decreases with increasing altitude, typically around 6.5°C per 1,000 meters.