Where is the top of the troposphere generally higher?

The correct answer is that the top of the troposphere is generally higher over the equator. This phenomenon occurs due to several atmospheric dynamics. The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, and its height varies with latitude.

Near the equator, intense solar heating leads to warmer air which is less dense and rises further into the atmosphere. This results in a higher altitude for the top of the troposphere, commonly reaching heights of about 16 to 18 kilometers (around 10 to 11 miles). The warm air creates a strong upward motion, pushing the tropopause (the boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere) upwards.

In contrast, over the poles and in temperate regions, the troposphere is much shorter, with its top being around 8 to 12 kilometers (approximately 5 to 7 miles) high. The cold temperatures at the poles cause the air to be denser, which limits how high the troposphere can extend.

At sea level, while it might seem relevant, this choice does not accurately describe the vertical extent of the troposphere in relation to various geographical locations. Sea level measurements do not determine the overall height of the troposphere, which