In the stratosphere, how does the temperature change with altitude?

In the stratosphere, the temperature actually increases with altitude. This phenomenon occurs due to the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun by the ozone layer, which is located within the stratosphere. As this UV radiation is absorbed, it warms the stratospheric air. This layer lies above the troposphere and extends approximately from 10 to 50 kilometers (6 to 31 miles) above the Earth's surface.

In contrast, the other choices describe temperature trends that apply to different layers of the atmosphere or are incorrect regarding the behavior of temperature within the stratosphere. For instance, in the troposphere, temperature typically decreases with altitude, which is opposite to what happens in the stratosphere. The stratosphere's temperature increase is a key characteristic that distinguishes it from the layers beneath it. Understanding this stratification of temperature is crucial for pilots, particularly regarding weather patterns and aircraft performance at different altitudes.