Meteorology

Composition of the atmosphere:

• 78% nitrogen
• 21% oxygen
• 1% other (argon, water vapour, $C{O}_2$)

Different layers of the Atmosphere (TSMTE)

Troposphere

• Where most weather takes place
• Pressure & density diminishes rapidly with height
• Temperature diminishes rapidly until -56 degrees
• Upper limit called tropopause → Temperature increases

Stratosphere

• Extends from tropopause to 160 000 ft
• Temperature constant near -56 degrees for 30 000ft, then slowly rises to 0 degrees due to ozone layer → absorbs the sun’s UV rays
• Thicker over the poles
• Pressure decreases, density decreases
• Upper limit is called stratopause → temperature decreases

Other Topics

• Standard Atmosphere
• Cloud