Various Types of Atmospheric Layers

Description: The troposphere is the lowest region of the atmosphere. It is approximately six to eight miles thick, and its upper boundary is the tropopause. Most clouds and weather systems occur in the troposphere.

Facts: The temperature of the troposphere decreases with height. The jet stream occurs in between the troposphere and the stratosphere.

Description: The stratosphere is a region that has horizontal winds. It contains the ozone layer. As you go higher it gets hotter. It absorbs ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It is above the troposphere and is approximately 40 miles thick.

Facts: "Stratos" means "smoothed out" in Greek. The jet stream is in between the troposphere and the stratosphere.