The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere. Most of the mass (about 75-80%) of the atmosphere is in the troposphere.
The troposphere extends upward to about 10 km above sea level. The height of the top of the troposphere varies with latitude (it is lowest over the poles and highest at the equator). Most types of clouds are found in the troposphere, and almost all weather occurs within this layer. The troposphere is by far the wettest layer of the atmosphere (all of the other layers contain very little moisture).
Troposphere- a significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes
1. Water vapor is primarily concentrated in the troposphere, with trace amounts in the poles and 4 percent or more in the tropic regions. Water vapour is a prime ingredient for any weather condition.
2. Both the temperature and water vapor content in this layer will decrease rapidly with altitude. Water vapor is important as it will absorb solar energy and thermal radiation from the surface of Earth, thus regulating the air temperature.
3. Uneven heating of the Earth by the sun causes convection currents in this layer of the atmosphere, which is a large-scale pattern of winds that move heat and moisture around the planet. This creates the winds around the globe, which in turn drives areas of high and low air pressure, also turbulence.
4. The water cycle also occurs in this layer of the atmosphere. The water cycle helps form clouds, which in form can help produce rain, sleet, snow and freezing rain.
5. Smog also forms in this layer of the atmosphere. This will restrict visibility and cause irritation of the eyes and throat.
Conclusion
As you see, the troposphere is an important layer in Earth’s Atmosphere, as it is the layer that we live in and the layer that gives us weather.
