ESS220
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
(from Understanding
Weather & Climate)
Standard
Atmosphere
lapse rate =
6.5 C/km
q There is little ozone to absorb solar energy in the mesosphere, and therefore, the air temperature in the mesosphere decreases with height.
q Also, air molecules are able to lose more energy than they absorb. This cooling effect is particularly large near the top of the mesosphere.
Mesosphere