EESA09H3 Lecture 2: Lecture 2 Notes
5 Dec 2017
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Document Summary
Vertical structure of the atmospheric layers: clouds occur in the lowest layer of the atmosphere, the troposphere (see below for more details on the troposphere). Of particular note, polar stratospheric clouds appear over the poles in the stratosphere and are instrumental in the creation of the ozone hole. The atmosphere is divided into four vertical levels. These levels are defined by the vertical temperature structure. These levels are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and thermosphere. The troposphere extends to approximately 11 km, varying from 13 km at the equator and 8 km at poles. Virtually all weather occurs in this part of the atmosphere. 75% of the mass of the atmosphere is in the troposphere. The tropopause is the isothermal region separating troposphere and stratosphere. Warming occurs at the surface from the sun"s radiation. Temperature decreases in the troposphere (on average) by 6. 5 degrees c per km.
