Atmosphere Contents

1. Structure And Composition

The tropopause separates the troposphere from the rest of the atmosphere

At around 10 km there is a temperature inversion in the troposphere (warmer above colder air), or a layer of atmosphere which maintains constant temperature with height. This is known as the tropopause. It acts as a 'lid', keeping the troposphere separate from the rest of the atmosphere. It stops the weather from propagating into the next layer as well as restricting the exchange of gases. The tropopause does not maintain a constant height; it changes with latitude, season and surface pressure.

Troposphere latitude
Click diagram to enlarge

What is the tropopause?