Stratosphere
The second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the tropopause (~12 km) up to the stratopause (~50 km), containing the protective ozone layer.
Governing formula
dT / dz > 0 (Temperature Inversion via O₃ Absorption)
SI unit
km (Altitude ~12 to 50 km)
In depth
Unlike the troposphere, temperature increases with altitude in the stratosphere due to the absorption of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation by ozone (O₃) molecules, creating a stable thermal inversion that suppresses vertical convection.
Examples in the real world
Commercial jet aircraft flying in the lower stratosphere to avoid tropospheric weather turbulence.