Ozone is important for ensuring that just the right amount of ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth. Temperature decreases with height throughout the mesosphere. The bottom of the stratosphere is around 10 km (6.2 miles or about 33,000 feet) above the ground at middle latitudes. They are much similar to warm breath during cold weather. In fact, the air in the exosphere is constantly - though very gradually - "leaking" out of Earth's atmosphere into outer space. Different definitions place the top of the exosphere somewhere between 100,000 km (62,000 miles) and 190,000 km (120,000 miles) above the surface of Earth. . Geomagnetic solar storms caused by solar flares or solar winds can disrupt activities in the ionosphere, causing difficulty in transmitting radio signals and global positioning system signals. Within the stratosphere temperatures increase with altitude (see temperature inversion); the top of the stratosphere has a temperature of about 270 K (3C or 26.6F).[8]. The definition of the stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, extending from about 6 miles to 30 miles, or 10km to 50km, above the Earth's surface. 12. Clouds form due to convection, which is uncommon in the stratosphere. So, what does the stratosphere do? We take a closer look at the stratosphere and its defining characteristics. The layer made of layers Above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, we have the stratosphere. 18. Paul J. Crutzen, Mario J. Molina and F. Sherwood Rowland were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995 for their work describing the formation and decomposition of stratospheric ozone.[9]. This layer of our atmosphere has its own set of layers. The stratosphere is a very interesting layer in Earth's atmosphere, as there are many fun stratosphere facts outside of its primary characteristics that make it unique. Providing an environment conducive to good instruction and motivation in which there is an atmosphere of self-motivation and self-discipline in the areas of personal development, character, and academic integrity. The jet stream flows near the border between the troposphere and the stratosphere. It is the only atmospheric layer where temperature inversion takes place. What Is the Greenhouse Effect? 2 It extends from a height of approximately 65 km (40 miles) to 85 km (53 miles) above the Earth's surface. The ozone layer helps protect us from ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun. As a result, air circulation is not as prevalent in this layer of the atmosphere, making it difficult for some gasses to escape. It contains the ozone layer and is between the troposphere, the first layer of the atmosphere, and the mesosphere, the third layer of the atmosphere. Air density in this layer gradually decreases as you go higher. Near the equator, the lower edge of the stratosphere is as high as 20km (66,000ft; 12mi), at midlatitudes around 10km (33,000ft; 6.2mi), and at the poles about 7km (23,000ft; 4.3mi). The ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the . 28. The stratosphere is a layer of Earths atmosphere. This includes its location, what it is composed of, the temperature range, and its density. Due to this, the stratosphere has very little convection, which causes chemicals derived from aerosols, known as CFC's, to become confined to the stratosphere. As you go up, it becomes colder. This material is based upon work supported by the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a major facility sponsored by the National Science Foundation and managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. These are generated when cold atmospheric air blends with the hot, humid exhaust. stratosphere The atmospheric layer above the troposphere, which extends on average from about 10 to 50 km above the Earth's surface. Unlike the troposphere, it contains little water vapor so there are no clouds in this layer of the atmosphere. The stratosphere is one of five layers of the earth's atmosphere. It is the second layer of the atmosphere as you go upward. 3090 Center Green Drive, Boulder, CO 80301, Virtual Ballooning to Explore the Atmosphere, ACOM | Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling, CISL | Computational & Information Systems, EdEC | Education, Engagement & Early-Career Development, Government Relations & External Engagement. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. The thermosphere extends from about 90 km to 500 kmand 1,000 km above our planet. These free-moving elements continuously escape into space due to ballistic trajectories. Brewer-Dobson Circulation occurs in the stratosphere. In the lower atmosphere (the troposphere) near the Earth's surface, ozone is created by chemical reactions between air pollutants . Some of these waves and tides carry energy from the troposphere upward into the stratosphere, others convey energy from the stratosphere up into the mesosphere. Unlike the troposphere however it is colder closer to the earth and warmer as it gets closer to the mesosphere. Its depth also varies from 5.5 to 20 miles depending on latitude as well. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'ownyourweather_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_3',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ownyourweather_com-large-billboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'ownyourweather_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_4',116,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ownyourweather_com-large-billboard-2-0_1');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'ownyourweather_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_5',116,'0','2'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ownyourweather_com-large-billboard-2-0_2');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'ownyourweather_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_6',116,'0','3'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ownyourweather_com-large-billboard-2-0_3'); .large-billboard-2-multi-116{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:3px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:3px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:300px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}Recent Posts, Copyright 2023 by Own Your Weather. Ozone protects life on Earth from the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. . It contains most of our Earth's water vapour, and is 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. It's about 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers) thick. The composition of the atmosphere of each celestial body is different. Folland. The atmosphere surrounds our planet like the peel of an orange. The air in the stratosphere is about 1000 thinner than the air at sea level in the troposphere. The air has a very low density that you get into the interplanetary space without a manifest limit. It is the reason why the sky appears blue. It is located just above the troposphere, which is the first layer of the atmosphere closest to the ground. We are not permitting internet traffic to Byjus website from countries within European Union at this time. Planting trees is one of the efforts that people have done to try to minimize damage and to help rebuild the damaged ozone layer. As the ozone layer absorbs UV radiation, it causes the temperature in this layer to increase. He discovered this atmospheric layer by sending a weather balloon up and noticing that the temperature changes differently than it does in the troposphere. 4 But there are no mountains high enough to reach the stratosphere, so you dont have to worry about that. Instead, the ionosphere is a series of regions in parts of the mesosphere and thermosphere where high-energy radiation from the Sun has knocked electrons loose from their parent atoms and molecules. Radicals produced from the homolytically split oxygen molecules combine with molecular oxygen to form ozone. Most clouds appear here, mainly because 99% of the water vapor in the atmosphere is found in the troposphere. Clouds form when water vapor condenses into a liquid, and with very little water, vapor condensation is virtually impossible. 9. The rides, which are called The Big Shot, Insanity and X-Scream, are equally terrifying and exciting. In the 1900s, Hungarian physicist Theodore von Krmn determined the boundary to be around 50 miles up, or roughly 80 kilometers above sea level. Despite Mercury's weak magnetic field, it behaves similarly to Earth's. If you look up at the sky, either on a clear day or a starry night, it probably wouldn't occur to you that you are looking through layers. Other gases that make up the remaining 0.1 percent include trace amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour, and neon. It is made up of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Clouds rarely form in the stratosphere for this reason as well, as the air is very dry. However, just above that is an equally important layer called the stratosphere. It starts to glow, and the rocks begin to fly off. Most turbulence at this altitude is caused by variations in the jet stream and other local wind shears, although areas of significant convective activity (thunderstorms) in the troposphere below may produce turbulence as a result of convective overshoot. It also consists of a layer known as the ozone layer, a blanket of ozone that absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. The Earth's atmosphere is very important, as each layer plays a role for life on Earth. This layer of our atmosphere has its own set of layers. It changes sometimes unpredictably The destruction of the ozone layer lets an enormous amount of ultraviolet rays reach the earth, which leads to skin cancer and cataracts in humans and animals alike. The site owner may have set restrictions that prevent you from accessing the site. Why Is Carbon Important? This site is owned and operated by Autumn Skies Online Pty Ltd, a limited liability company headquartered in Somerset West, South Africa. The stratosphere is situated just above the troposphere, with a thin layer of air called the tropopause separating the two layers. Such is the case for ozone-destroying chemicals called CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). The QBO induces a secondary circulation that is important for the global stratospheric transport of tracers, such as ozone[14] or water vapor. 4. 2. As the altitude increases, the atmosphere diminishes which is the reason why the air pressure in the exosphere is shallow. The layer made of layers. There are no storms or turbulence here to mix up the air, so cold, heavy air is at the bottom and warm, light air is at the top. Hare, J.R. Knight. The Concorde aircraft cruised at Mach 2 at about 60,000ft (18km), and the SR-71 cruised at Mach 3 at 85,000ft (26km), all within the stratosphere. Facts About The Exosphere: The Outermost Layer Of The Atmosphere. As this article clearly illustrated, the stratosphere has a crucial role to play in maintaining the atmosphere and all life in it. Because of this, few clouds are found in this layer and almost all clouds occur in the lower, more humid troposphere. Thats almost as wide as Earth itself. No tracking or performance measurement cookies were served with this page. Without the stratosphere, life on Earth would be very different or non-existent, as the shielding of the sun's radiation is important for known Earth life. Ozone is a blue pungent-smelling gas that helps to absorb the ultraviolet radiation in the sun rays. Ozone is a gas made up of three oxygen atoms (O 3). The stratosphere is one of the 5 layers of the atmosphere, situated above the troposphere and below the mesosphere at an altitude of 10 km (6 miles), extending to 50 km (30 miles). Certain swans, cranes, and vultures can fly in the lower stratosphere. In 1985, they observed a hole in the ozone layer above the Antarctic. Since almost almost weather activity is limited to the troposphere and almost no water vapor is present in the stratosphere, Polar Stratospheric Clouds is the only visual meteorological phenomenon that can be observed in the stratosphere. Because of this, jet aircraft and weather balloons reach their maximum operational altitudes within the stratosphere. The stratosphere is located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. Moreover, the distance between the molecules increases as you move up the different layers. 11. The overall circulation of the stratosphere is termed as Brewer-Dobson circulation, which is a single-celled circulation, spanning from the tropics up to the poles, consisting of the tropical upwelling of air from the tropical troposphere and the extra-tropical downwelling of air. This diagram shows some of the features of the stratosphere. Life as we know it wouldnt be possible without this layer of protection. Exosphere widely contains particles of helium and hydrogen. This layer of our atmosphere has its own set of layers. Although humans would not be able to survive in the stratosphere due to thin air and frigid temperatures, there is life that can and does survive there. At an altitude of 100 km above sea level, a border represents the separation between the atmosphere and outer space. Above the stratosphere is the mesosphere. During northern hemispheric winters, sudden stratospheric warmings, caused by the absorption of Rossby waves in the stratosphere, can be observed in approximately half of winters when easterly winds develop in the stratosphere. Each year, this large amount of water is recycled about 40 times. Thats the opposite of how the layers work in the troposphere, where we live. The Stratosphere also has three thrill rides at the top. Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are the exception. It has different layers with different qualities. When greenhouse gases rise into the atmosphere, they form chloride ions that destroy the ozone layer by making holes in it. Thats the opposite of how the layers work in the troposphere, where we live. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. The waves and tides influence the flows of air in the stratosphere and can also cause regional heating of this layer of the atmosphere. Weather balloons also rise up to this level of the atmosphere to collect data without interference of storm clouds. 29. The presence of moisture in the atmosphere is The temperatures at the different atmospheric layers differ depending on solar radiation, humidity, and altitude. Certain bird species like the common crane, whooper swan, and the Rppel's griffon vulture are capable of flying in the lower stratosphere. But its not the same everywhere. For this reason, humans would not be able to survive at this altitude without being inside of a plane, rocket, or some type of enclosed environment where air density can be regulated. That's almost as wide as Earth itself. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. In this article, we are going to learn about the atmosphere. Troposphere - The lowest level of our atmosphere is called the Troposphere. Along with the neutral upper atmosphere, the ionosphere forms the boundary between Earth's lower atmosphere where we live and breathe and the vacuum of space. Mesosphere lies between 50-85 km above sea level. Autumn Skies Online Pty Ltd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Its upper edge has maximum ozone concentration, referred to as the ozone belt. The stratosphere also traps certain gasses known as CFC's, which are chemicals derived from aerosol. - This is the second layer of the atmosphere from the surface of the earth, and lies between the troposphere and the mesosphere. For years, CFCs - a chemical used in aerosols - were transported the stratosphere via convection and became trapped there. Commercial airliners fly in the lower stratosphere to avoid the weather, travel faster, and save fuel. The lower boundary of the stratosphere can be as high as 20 km (12 miles or 65,000 feet) near the equator and as low as 7 km (4 miles or 23,000 feet) at the poles in winter. Autumn Skies Online Pty Ltd is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies., The Earth's atmosphere consists of five layers. The stratosphere the atmosphere's second layer, and is located right above the troposphere and right below the mesosphere. Also, magnetic and south poles reverse at uneven intervals of hundreds of thousands of years. The biosphere extends from the deepest root systems of trees, to the dark environments of ocean trenches, to lush rain forests, high mountaintops, and transition zones like this one, where ocean and terrestrial ecosystems meet. The stratosphere extends from the tropopause at about 10 to 17 km (about 6 to 11 miles) altitude to its upper boundary (the stratopause) at . The troposphere is the lowest layer of our atmosphere. The atmosphere consists of five distinct layers, with the stratosphere being the second, situated just above the troposphere. Learn about the stratosphere, including the stratosphere's definition and importance. Moreover, meteorites falling over the earth burn in this layer. Stratosphere is the second layer. Because the temperature in the tropopause and lower stratosphere is largely constant with increasing altitude, very little convection and its resultant turbulence occurs there. There are a few other atmospheric layers as well -- you can take a look at a diagram of these below. The ionosphere is not a distinct layer like the others mentioned above. As a result, the air in the stratosphere is about 1000 times thinner in the stratosphere than at sea level in the troposphere. The Brief Overview. Planes fly in the stratosphere to avoid turbulence and fly longer distances using less fuel. The stratosphere has many defining features that make it a unique part of the atmosphere. The particles in this layer are electrically charged, and when they hit each other, aurora australis can be observed. Earth is a great planet to live on because it has a wonderful atmosphere around it. Air circulation within the stratosphere is dominated by the Brewer-Dobson Circulation, which is a single-celled air movement that stretches from the Poles to the Equator. 12 chapters | [6], The mechanism describing the formation of the ozone layer was described by British mathematician Sydney Chapman in 1930. If you are interested in the complete structure and make-up of the atmosphere,this articlecovers all five atmospheric layers and their relation to each other in more detail. Be grateful! They go from the ground all the way to outer space. The stratosphere is one of five layers of the atmosphere. The stratosphere is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, laying just above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. However, exceptionally energetic convection processes, such as volcanic eruption columns and overshooting tops in severe supercell thunderstorms, may carry convection into the stratosphere on a very local and temporary basis. Commercial passenger jets fly in the lower stratosphere, partly because this less-turbulent layer provides a smoother ride. Almost all weather is in this region. That trend of rising temperatures with altitude means that air in the stratosphere lacks the turbulence and updrafts of the troposphere beneath. In fact it is not easy to distinguish between space and not space because of the fact that the Earths atmosphere doesnt simply vanish; rather, it gradually becomes thinner and thinner over about 600 miles. Create an account to start this course today. The troposphere starts at the Earth's surface and extends 8 to 14.5 kilometers high (5 to 9 miles). The stratospheric air is extremely thin and dry since the vast majority of atmospheric gases (and weather activity) are limited to the troposphere. The stratosphere begins at around 10 kilometers above the surface of the earth. The oxygen atom product combines with atmospheric molecular oxygen to reform O3, releasing heat. (Learn more about Nacreous or Polar Stratospheric Clouds in this article.). It extends upward to a height of about 85 km (53 miles) above our planet. The stratosphere is home to the ozone layer, which is a thin layer of concentrated ozone which plays an essential role in protecting the Earth from dangerous solar radiation. A single chlorine atom can destroy more than a hundred thousand ozone molecules. Instead, clouds condense in the troposphere. Atmosphere facts: ninety-nine percent of the gases that compose the atmosphere are located below a height of 32 km (20 miles). Mercury's magnetic field is different at its poles. Air pollution causes the demolition of the ozone belt, and without it, the earth would be exposed to the deadly ultraviolet rays in the sun. We live in the troposphere, which is the layer of the atmosphere closest to earth. Close to the tropopause, temperatures start at approximately -51 Celsius (-60 Fahrenheit) and continue to rise until reaching the stratopause, where temperatures reach -15 Celsius (5 Fahrenheit). Stratosphere - The Stratosphere makes up around 25% of the total of Earth's atmosphere, and is home to more than 90% of our Earth's O-Zone layer. It is seen in high latitude areas as shimmering curtains of lights that are visible at night. 22. Mercury has an atmosphere that changes with its distance to the Sun. The exosphere gradually fades away into the realm of interplanetary space. Mercury has water ice and organics. She currently works as a physicist assistant at a cancer treatment center. A rare type of electrical discharge, somewhat akin to lightning, occurs in the stratosphere. The coldest temperatures in Earths atmosphere, about -90 C (-130 F), are found near the top of this layer. It is the only atmospheric layer where temperature inversion occurs and the region where the ozone layer is situated. It is easy & understandable to view our atmosphere as a continuous layer of air. The chlorine atoms are recycled when ClO reacts with O in the upper stratosphere, or when ClO reacts with itself in the chemistry of the Antarctic ozone hole. Privacy Policy The lack of particles in the air causes less friction to hold an aircraft back, which requires less power to travel faster and further. It extends above the tropopause to an altitude of 50 km above the earth. [11] This optimizes fuel efficiency, mostly due to the low temperatures encountered near the tropopause and low air density, reducing parasitic drag on the airframe. Aurora is also referred to as polar light. The stratosphere is where youll find the very important ozone layer. The atmosphere gradually changes as the climate and weather change. 17. They result from ionized particles from the sun striking the upper atmosphere above the poles. The latter value is about halfway to the Moon! Earths atmosphere has six layers: the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, the thermosphere, the ionosphere, and the exosphere. From space, the earth is seen as a blue halo. Most airplanes or jets travel in the lower part of the stratosphere. The Earth's atmosphere is made up of roughly 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, and 0.1% other gases. A Division ofAutumn Skies Online (Pty) Ltd Disclaimer On top of that, air samples from this altitude have shown that certain types of bacteria and microbes are present in the stratosphere, making it the closest to space and furthest from the Earth's surface that humans have found life naturally living. Ozone in turn is photolysed much more rapidly than molecular oxygen as it has a stronger absorption that occurs at longer wavelengths, where the solar emission is more intense. This is also where you'll find low Earth orbit satellites. We live in one layer, called the troposphere, where the clouds and most of the water vapor reside. Its about 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers) thick. #1. 77 Amazing, Interesting, and Exciting Facts about the Atmosphere Due to this effect, temperatures in the stratosphere actually increase from about negative {eq}60 {/eq} F up to about negative {eq}5 {/eq} F with altitude. Bacterial life survives in the stratosphere, making it a part of the biosphere. It is enough to cover the entire earths surface with 1 cm of rain. 20. Earths atmosphere has six different layers. The ozone layer helps protect us from ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun. The contrails usually become thin at low humidity and high altitudes. [5] Stratospheric temperatures also vary within the stratosphere as the seasons change, reaching particularly low temperatures in the polar night (winter). The troposphere, the lowest layer, is right below the stratosphere. The troposphere is where we breath in and is also referred to as the lower atmosphere. It has increased the number of respiratory conditions such as asthma. 2011 UCAR with portions adapted from Windows to the Universe ( 2009 NESTA). The mesosphere is a layer of Earth's atmosphere. It not only examines what the stratosphere is but also looks at the characteristics or facts that define it. This layer of Earth's atmosphere is about 319 miles (513 kilometers) thick. [24], Seinfeld, J. H., and S. N.(2006), Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change 2nd ed, Wiley, New Jersey. It borders the troposphere below through a thin transitional space called the tropopause. Earths atmosphere is similar to a jacket for our planet. The atmospheric gases must retain the heat in the sun rays and reflect them to the earth to keep it warm. 25. Polar Stratospheric Clouds develop in this layer near the poles at an altitude of 15 - 25 kilometers. "Strat" means layer. Commercial jet aircraft fly in the lower stratosphere to avoid the turbulence which is common in the troposphere below. Since blue light has short wavelengths, it gets reflected more compared to other colors. As it absorbs the UV light, it absorbs energy. A.A. Scaife, J.R. Knight, G.K. Vallis, C.K. The exosphere is the very edge of our atmosphere. This allows the stratosphere to have an increasing temperature with altitude. Stated another way, it allows the airliner to fly faster while maintaining lift equal to the weight of the plane. This is the opposite of what happens in the troposphere, the layer of the atmosphere closest to Earth. Above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, we have the stratosphere. The next layer up is called the stratosphere. Atmosphere Atmosphere and Its Layers 3090 Center Green Drive, Boulder, CO 80301, Air pressure drops, and temperatures get colder, as you climb higher in the troposphere, ACOM | Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling, CISL | Computational & Information Systems, EdEC | Education, Engagement & Early-Career Development, Government Relations & External Engagement. Above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, we have the stratosphere. Current map of global winds and temperatures at the 10 hPa level. The temperatures in the ozone belt are higher than in the troposphere since the ozone absorbs the ultraviolet rays. In fact, the ozone layer absorbs most of the UV radiation the sun sends to us. It occurs naturally in small (trace) amounts in the upper atmosphere (the stratosphere). The coldest temperatures are found in the mesopause. [18] When the vortex is strong, it keeps the cold, high-pressure air masses contained in the Arctic; when the vortex weakens, air masses move equatorward, and results in rapid changes of weather in the mid latitudes. They have been observed by airline pilots and the international space station. The infamous ozone layer is found within the stratosphere. It surrounds the globe and protects it by absorbing the infrared rays from the sun. The thermosphere is home to the International Space Station as it orbits Earth. The top of the stratosphere occurs at an altitude of 50 km (31 miles). The air in the mesosphere is far too thin to breathe (the air pressure at the bottom of the layer is well below 1% of the pressure at sea level and continues dropping as you go higher). As you rise through the troposphere, the temperature decreases to around -60 degrees Fahrenheit. 24. It is the only atmospheric layer where temperature inversion occurs and the region where the ozone layer is situated. The stratosphere contains approximately 19% of the earth's total atmospheric gases. Facts About The Mesosphere What It Is And Its Defining Characteristics, The 5 Layers Of The Atmosphere Their Composition, Characteristics, And Importance Explained, Fallstreak Holes: What They Are And How They Form, Bubble Clouds: Defining Mammatus Clouds And How They Form, Noctilucent Clouds: Defining Night Shining Clouds And How They Form. [6] Winds in the stratosphere can far exceed those in the troposphere, reaching near 60m/s (220km/h; 130mph) in the Southern polar vortex. These "blue jets" appear above thunderstorms, and extend from the bottom of the stratosphere up to altitudes of 40 or 50 km (25 to 31 miles). The stratosphere is one of the 5 layers of the atmosphere, situated above the troposphere and below the mesosphere at an altitude of 10 km (6 miles), extending to 50 km (30 miles). Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Once you leave the stratosphere, and enter the mesosphere, the temperature dramatically decreases until plummeting to around -184 degrees Fahrenheit. The atmospheric balance is jeopardized by human activities that cause global warming, greenhouse effect, ozone belt destruction, air contamination, and acid rains. The ozone layer absorbs the majority of these rays, shielding life from harmful radiation. The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, which is composed of a total of five layers. OH is formed by the reaction of electrically excited oxygen atoms produced by ozone photolysis, with water vapor. It is called stratosphere because it is stratified in temperature, with warmer layers higher up and cooler layers farther down.