Meaning & use
troposphere
Last updated
Meaning
nounsingulartechnical
The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where weather occurs and temperature usually falls with height.
Grammar: Usually used with 'the' and treated as a singular noun: the troposphere is about 8–15 km thick.
Patterns
- the troposphere
- in the troposphere
Most clouds and storms form in the troposphere.
The troposphere extends from the ground up to about 10 kilometers at the poles.
Scientists measure temperature changes in the troposphere to study global warming.
Common combinations
- the lower troposphere
- Ozone levels in the lower troposphere can affect air quality.
- upper troposphere
- Jet aircraft often cruise in the upper troposphere.
- troposphere temperature
- Troposphere temperature data show a clear warming trend.
Synonyms and how they differ
- lower atmosphere
- A general term that includes the troposphere; 'troposphere' is the precise scientific name for the lowest layer.
Opposites
Word family
- tropospheric adjective
- Relating to the troposphere, as in 'tropospheric ozone'.
Commonly confused: troposphere or stratosphere?
troposphere vs stratosphere
The stratosphere is the layer above the troposphere; it contains the ozone layer and is much drier and more stable.
Practice
Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to Earth's surface and contains most weather?
Choose one answer.
The troposphere is the lowest layer and where weather happens. The stratosphere is above it, so it is not the closest to the surface.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “troposphere”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.