Stratospheric Cooling: Why is it Cooler Than the Ground?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of stratospheric cooling and why the stratosphere is cooler than the ground. Participants explore the implications of increasing CO2 levels and the thermodynamic principles that govern temperature variations in the atmosphere.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that stratospheric cooling is linked to the greenhouse effect of CO2 in the troposphere, which slows the escape of longwave radiation, leading to a warmer troposphere and a cooler stratosphere.
  • Bob questions whether, if CO2 levels stabilize, the troposphere would eventually reach an equilibrium where energy entering equals energy leaving, potentially altering the temperature dynamics of the stratosphere.
  • Another participant asserts that the temperature at the boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere will always be cooler than the surface due to thermodynamic principles, emphasizing that temperature decreases with altitude in the troposphere.
  • There is a mention of a temperature inversion at the boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere, where the top of the stratosphere is warmer than the bottom due to UV absorption by the ozone layer.
  • Some participants express a desire to avoid discussions related to global warming, indicating that the topic is contentious and may lead to disputes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of CO2 levels and the dynamics of temperature in the atmosphere. There is no consensus on the long-term effects of CO2 stabilization on stratospheric temperatures, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the relationship between greenhouse gases and atmospheric temperature profiles.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of atmospheric temperature dynamics, including the influence of altitude and the role of the ozone layer, without reaching definitive conclusions. The discussion also reflects a sensitivity to the contentious nature of related topics, such as global warming.

Wannabeagenius
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Hi All,

Would someone explain why the stratosphere is cooler than the ground?

Thank you,
Bob
 
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Statospheric cooling, when taking the increasing CO2 amounts into account, is occurring because of the effects of CO2 as a greenhouse gas in the troposphere. CO2 slows down the rate at which longwave radiation can escape from the troposphere to the stratosphere, with the net effect being that the troposphere warms while the stratosphere cools.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
rgatess said:
Statospheric cooling, when taking the increasing CO2 amounts into account, is occurring because of the effects of CO2 as a greenhouse gas in the troposphere. CO2 slows down the rate at which longwave radiation can escape from the troposphere to the stratosphere, with the net effect being that the troposphere warms while the stratosphere cools.

This makes sense. Thank you.

Is it fair to say that should no more CO2 enter the atmosphere, the troposphere would continue to heat up until the energy leaving the troposphere is the same as the energy entering it. At that point, the stratosphere will no longer be cooler than it was but will be at its original temperature?

Bob
 
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GW is a closed topic due to the flame wars which arise.
 
Evo said:
GW is a closed topic due to the flame wars which arise.

Is it allowed on any of these forums?
 
Wannabeagenius said:
Is it allowed on any of these forums?
No, it's not. Questions about the atmosphere and how it works that stay out of GW discussions are fine.
 
Wannabeagenius said:
Is it fair to say that should no more CO2 enter the atmosphere, the troposphere would continue to heat up until the energy leaving the troposphere is the same as the energy entering it. At that point, the stratosphere will no longer be cooler than it was but will be at its original temperature?
What original temperature?

The bottom of the stratosphere / top of the troposphere is inevitably going to be cooler than the surface because of thermodynamics. Temperature tends to decrease with increasing altitude in the troposphere because the lower atmosphere is for the most part either transparent to incoming sunlight or reflects it back into space. The top of the stratosphere is warmer than the bottom because sunlight heats the stratosphere thanks to the ozone layer absorbing the UV portion of incoming sunlight. There is a temperature inversion at the boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere.

Note that this has nothing to do with global warming; let's steer clear of that topic.
 

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