troposphere
The troposphere is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface to an average altitude of about 12 kilometers. It is the region where nearly all weather conditions, such as clouds and precipitation, occur and where most of the atmosphere's mass is concentrated.
Examples
3 of 5Most clouds that you see in the sky are located within the troposphere.
The majority of clouds visible in the sky are found in the lowest layer of the atmosphere.
Environmental regulations aim to reduce the concentration of pollutants released into the troposphere.
Laws regarding the environment seek to lower the amount of harmful substances sent into the Earth's first atmospheric layer.
It's crazy to think that the troposphere is where all our rain and snow actually come from.
It is amazing to realize that the first layer of the atmosphere is the source of all precipitation.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Tropo-' as 'Tropical weather'. The 'tropo'sphere is where all the 'tropical' storms and weather changes happen.
Quick Quiz
Commercial airplanes usually fly near the top of the ____ to avoid turbulent weather found at lower altitudes.
Correct!
The correct answer is: troposphere
Examples
Most clouds that you see in the sky are located within the troposphere.
everydayThe majority of clouds visible in the sky are found in the lowest layer of the atmosphere.
Environmental regulations aim to reduce the concentration of pollutants released into the troposphere.
formalLaws regarding the environment seek to lower the amount of harmful substances sent into the Earth's first atmospheric layer.
It's crazy to think that the troposphere is where all our rain and snow actually come from.
informalIt is amazing to realize that the first layer of the atmosphere is the source of all precipitation.
The boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere is known as the tropopause.
academicThe dividing line between the first and second layers of the atmosphere is called the tropopause.
The aviation industry monitors wind currents in the troposphere to optimize flight paths and save fuel.
businessAirline companies track air movements in the lower atmosphere to improve routes and reduce costs.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
within the troposphere
inside the Earth's lowest atmospheric layer
tropospheric heating
the warming of the lowest part of the atmosphere
thickness of the troposphere
the vertical measurement of the Earth's first layer
Often Confused With
The stratosphere is the layer above the troposphere; it is where the ozone layer is located and is generally calmer.
Usage Notes
The word is almost exclusively used in scientific, environmental, or meteorological contexts. In general conversation, people usually just say 'the air' or 'the atmosphere'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the troposphere with the stratosphere or think it refers to the entire atmosphere rather than just the lowest layer.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Tropo-' as 'Tropical weather'. The 'tropo'sphere is where all the 'tropical' storms and weather changes happen.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'tropos' (meaning 'turn' or 'change') and 'sphaira' (meaning 'sphere'), referring to the turbulent air and weather changes in this layer.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
While not tied to a specific culture, it is a standard term in global environmental science and climate change discussions.
Quick Quiz
Commercial airplanes usually fly near the top of the ____ to avoid turbulent weather found at lower altitudes.
Correct!
The correct answer is: troposphere
Related Vocabulary
The layer of air and gases that surrounds the Earth or anoth...
climateClimate refers to the long-term patterns of weather conditio...
stratosphereThe stratosphere is the second major layer of Earth's atmosp...
meteorologyThe scientific study of the atmosphere and its phenomena, es...
altitudeAltitude refers to the vertical distance or height of an obj...
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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