Troposphere

Published on 31 Jan 2025

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to an average altitude of about 8 to 15 kilometres (5 to 9 miles), depending on the location and season.

• Weather processes: It contains the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere where temperature, pressure, and humidity variations lead to the formation of clouds, precipitation, and other weather events.

• Example: Thunderstorms, rain etc. 

• Life-Supporting Atmosphere: Contains majority of atmosphere’s mass, including the air we breathe. It provides the oxygen and other gases essential for living organisms.

• Example: Most of the Earth's breathable air, including oxygen and nitrogen, is  in the troposphere

• Temperature gradient: Exhibits a decrease in temperature with altitude. This temperature gradient is vital for creating convection currents, which drive atmospheric circulation.

• Example: Formation of fog, determines precipitation and cloud forms 

• Pollution dispersion: Because of the vertical movement of air in the troposphere, pollutants released at the Earth's surface can be dispersed and transported to different regions.

• Example: Pollutants from industries and vehicles can be dispersed throughout the troposphere.

• Greenhouse gas concentrations: In troposphere concentrates greenhouse gases (water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane).

Example: Traps solar heat and creating and creates a natural greenhouse effect.

Tags:
Geography

Keywords:
Troposphere features of troposphere

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Physical Geography