STRATOPAUSE Meaning and
Definition
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The stratopause refers to a prominent layer or transition region within the Earth's atmosphere, specifically in the region called the stratosphere. It is situated between the mesosphere below and the thermosphere above. The term "stratopause" is derived from the combination of two words: "strato," which indicates the stratosphere, and "pause," referring to a point of transition or pause between two atmospheric layers.
At the stratopause, the temperature abruptly ceases to decrease with increasing altitude. This transition region is known for its stabilization of temperature due to the absorption and emission of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by ozone molecules. Consequently, the stratopause typically exhibits a relatively constant temperature profile.
The altitude at which the stratopause occurs can vary depending on location, season, and even solar activity. On average, the stratopause is found at an altitude range of approximately 45 to 55 kilometers (28 to 34 miles) above the Earth's surface.
Furthermore, the stratopause acts as a significant boundary within the Earth's atmosphere, separating the stratosphere from the layers above and below. Its existence is essential for understanding and studying various atmospheric phenomena, such as the interaction of different layers and atmospheric circulation patterns.
In summary, the stratopause defines the transition region in the stratosphere where temperature stabilizes due to UV radiation absorption and emission by ozone molecules. It serves as a pivotal boundary within the atmosphere, separating the mesosphere below from the thermosphere above.
Etymology of STRATOPAUSE
The word "stratopause" is derived from two root words: "strato" and "pause".
1. "Strato" originates from the Greek word "stratos" (στρατός), meaning "army" or "force". In scientific terminology, this root word is used to describe layers of the Earth's atmosphere where air currents are more or less parallel to the Earth's surface.
2. "Pause" is derived from the Latin word "pausa", meaning a temporary stop or cessation.
So, "stratopause" combines these roots to create a word that describes the boundary between the stratosphere and the mesosphere in the Earth's atmosphere, where there is a temporary pause or transition in the vertical temperature profile.
