Vertical Structure of the Atmosphere

Question 1

How is the troposphere warmed?

Answer 1

Absorption of radiation by H₂O and CO₂ and by convection from the surface.

Question 2

What does it mean to say the troposphere is hydrodynamically unstable?

Answer 2

The temperature decreases with height.

Question 3

How is the stratosphere warmed and created?

Answer 3

Absorption of radiation by O₃.

Question 4

What is the temperature inversion in the stratosphere?

Answer 4

The stratosphere is hydrodynamically stable, so temperature increases with height. This is an inversion to the troposphere.

Question 5

In hydrostatic balance what is the pressure at the bottom of a fluid?

Answer 5

p_B = p(z)

Question 6

In hydrostatic balance, what is the pressure at the top of a fluid?

Answer 6

p_T = p(z + Δz) = p(z) + Δp

Question 7

Assuming Δz to be small, where Δp = (dp/dz)*Δz, what is the mass of the cylinder in hydrostatic balance?

Answer 7

M = ρ * ΔA * Δz

Question 8

What are the vertical forces in hydrostatic balance?

Answer 8

Gravitational force F_g = -gM = (-gp) * ΔA * Δz

Pressure force acting at the top face F_T = -(p + Δp) * ΔA

Pressure force acting on the bottom face F_B = p * ΔA