ESS124
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
Stratosphere
(from Understanding
Weather & Climate)
Standard Atmosphere
lapse rate = 6.5 C/km
q The reasons for the inversion in
the stratosphere is due to the ozone absorption of
ultraviolet solar energy.
q Although maximum ozone concentration
occurs at 25km, the lower air density at 50km allows solar energy to heat up
temperature there at a much greater degree.
q Also, much solar energy is absorbed in the
upper stratosphere and can not reach the level of ozone maximum.