What is the tropopause?

The tropopause is defined as the boundary layer between the troposphere and the stratosphere. It marks a significant transition in the atmosphere, where temperature changes behavior. In the troposphere, temperatures typically decrease with increasing altitude. However, at the tropopause, temperatures stabilize and even begin to increase in the stratosphere due to the presence of ozone, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Understanding the tropopause is crucial in meteorology because it serves as a boundary that influences weather patterns and the vertical distribution of pollutants and water vapor. The altitude of the tropopause can vary depending on geographical location and atmospheric conditions, typically being higher over the equator and lower at the poles.

Recognizing this key feature helps comprehend how weather systems develop and interact with the layers of the atmosphere above it, which is critical for accurate weather forecasting and aviation safety.