In which layer of the atmosphere does temperature decrease with an increase in altitude?

In which layer of the atmosphere does temperature decrease with an increase in altitude?

• A. Stratosphere
• B. Mesosphere
• C. Troposphere
• D. Thermosphere

Answer: (C)

In the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. The troposphere extends from the Earth's surface up to about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) high, depending on the latitude and weather conditions. This temperature gradient occurs because the Earth's surface absorbs solar radiation and warms the air directly above it. As you move higher into the troposphere, the air becomes less dense and thus cools, leading to a decrease in temperature with elevation. This characteristic of the troposphere is essential for weather formation, as it is in this layer where clouds, storms, and winds occur. The temperature decrease with altitude is also a driving factor for convection currents, which play a significant role in weather patterns and climate. In contrast, the stratosphere, which lies above the troposphere, has a temperature increase with altitude due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer. The mesosphere also has a temperature decrease with altitude, but this layer is situated above the stratosphere and is not as directly relevant to surface weather. Finally, the thermosphere experiences a significant temperature increase with altitude, as solar activity can cause the temperature to rise significantly,

In the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. The troposphere extends from the Earth's surface up to about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) high, depending on the latitude and weather conditions. This temperature gradient occurs because the Earth's surface absorbs solar radiation and warms the air directly above it. As you move higher into the troposphere, the air becomes less dense and thus cools, leading to a decrease in temperature with elevation.

This characteristic of the troposphere is essential for weather formation, as it is in this layer where clouds, storms, and winds occur. The temperature decrease with altitude is also a driving factor for convection currents, which play a significant role in weather patterns and climate.

In contrast, the stratosphere, which lies above the troposphere, has a temperature increase with altitude due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer. The mesosphere also has a temperature decrease with altitude, but this layer is situated above the stratosphere and is not as directly relevant to surface weather. Finally, the thermosphere experiences a significant temperature increase with altitude, as solar activity can cause the temperature to rise significantly,