troposphere

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troposphere

atmospheric region

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troposphere

Category: Science & Tech

Related Topics:: planetary boundary layer; Keeling Curve; jet stream; standing wave; traveling wave

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troposphere, lowest region of the atmosphere, bounded by the Earth beneath and the stratosphere above, with its upper boundary being the tropopause, about 10–18 km (6–11 miles) above the Earth’s surface.

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The troposphere is characterized by decreasing temperature with height and is distinguished from the overlying stratosphere by a region of nearly constant temperature in the lower stratosphere. Most of the clouds and weather systems are contained within the troposphere.

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This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.