ATPL Atmosphere

Question 1

Describe the idealised global tropopause detailing approximate altitudes and position of jet streams

Answer 1

Sub-tropical jet stream = 200HPa level/38,000ft 30ºN/S

Polar jet stream = 300-500hPa level/ 18-30,000ft 60ºN/S

Question 2

Explain why the height of the tropopause varies with latitude and season.

Answer 2

Changes due to temperature of troposphere or stratosphere.

Warming the troposphere increases its height and cooling stratosphere increases its height.

Question 3

Explain why the stratosphere is devoid of cloud and turbulence

Answer 3

Inversion/isothermal layer created by the ozone and this acts as a lid as the colder air below cannot rise any further.