ESS200A
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.