Troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere. The average height of troposphere is 13 km, with a height of 8 km at the poles and 18 km near the equator.
Significance of Troposphere:
- Adiabatically Lapse rate: The temperature in this area of the atmosphere drops by around 6.5°C per kilometre as the distance above the earth increases. The average rate at which temperature within the troposphere decreases with altitude is called the normal lapse rate.
- Dust Particles: Dust particles are generally found in the troposphere layer of the atmosphere. These dust particles help in the condensation of water vapour.
- Cloud Formation: Clouds are usually produced through condensation – as the air rises, it will cool and reducing the temperature of the air decreases its ability to hold water vapour so that condensation occurs.
- Wind Circulation: The velocity of wind is directly proportional to pressure gradient force. It is caused by the heating of the sun and the rotational movement of the earth.
- Troposphere has thermal and kinetic energy which absorbs Earth’s surface energy which leads to greenhouse effect.
Weather Processes in the Troposphere:
Precipitation: Precipitation occurs when tiny droplets of water, ice or frozen water vapour join together into masses. Usual forms are rainfall, snowfall, hail, frost and dew.
Cyclone Formation: Cyclones are rapid inward air circulation around a low-pressure area. Cyclones are usually accompanied by violent storms and bad weather.
Thunderstorm: Thunderstorms can originate and develop in any geographical region, although they are most common in the mid-latitudes, where warm, moist air from the tropics collides with chilly air from the poles.
Hence, due to the increasing quantities of greenhouse gases trapping more heat in the troposphere, the tropopause is expanding even further. Although there is an increase in the expansion of the tropopause, this could lead top lanes flying higher in the atmosphere to avoid turbulence.
Comments
Post a Comment