THERMOPAUSE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "thermopause" refers to the boundary or region between the Earth's atmosphere and outer space where a significant change in temperature occurs. Specifically, it is characterized by the transition from the lower thermosphere to the exosphere, which is the highest layer of the atmosphere. This region is typically found at an altitude of approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) above the Earth's surface.
At the thermopause, the temperature drastically increases due to the absorption of high-energy solar radiation by the few gas molecules present in the exosphere. This absorption causes the limited gas particles to rapidly gain energy, resulting in a sharp rise in temperature. The thermopause temperature is often around 2,500 degrees Celsius (4,500 degrees Fahrenheit), even though the gas particles themselves have low density and are not in direct contact with one another.
In addition to its role as a temperature boundary, the thermopause also marks the point where the Earth's atmosphere becomes extremely thin and gradually merges with the vacuum of outer space. This region is characterized by the absence of a distinct atmospheric boundary and the presence of sporadic gas particles that may travel considerable distances before colliding with each other.
Overall, the thermopause is a significant region in the atmosphere, representing the transition from our planet's protective envelope to the vast emptiness of space, as well as a remarkable shift in temperature and density.
Common Misspellings for THERMOPAUSE
- rhermopause
- fhermopause
- ghermopause
- yhermopause
- 6hermopause
- 5hermopause
- tgermopause
- tbermopause
- tnermopause
- tjermopause
- tuermopause
- tyermopause
- thwrmopause
- thsrmopause
- thdrmopause
- thrrmopause
- th4rmopause
- th3rmopause
- theemopause
- thedmopause
Etymology of THERMOPAUSE
The word "thermopause" is derived from two different roots: "thermo-" and "-pause".
The prefix "thermo-" originates from the Greek word "thermos", meaning "heat" or "hot". It is commonly used in scientific terminology relating to temperature or heat.
The suffix "-pause" comes from the Greek word "pausis", which means "a stopping" or "a cessation". It is often used to indicate a break, interruption, or boundary.
When combined, "thermo-" and "-pause" in "thermopause" indicate the boundary or region where the temperature or heat reaches a cessation or stopping point. In scientific terms, "thermopause" refers to the upper boundary of the Earth's atmosphere where temperature stops decreasing and remains relatively constant.
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