Compare and contrast the stratosphere and the mesosphere

Both the stratosphere and the mesosphere are layers of Earth's atmosphere, but they differ in several key aspects.

Stratosphere:

Altitude: Located above the troposphere, the stratosphere extends from approximately 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface.

Temperature: In the lower stratosphere, temperature generally increases with altitude due to the absorption of ultraviolet solar radiation by the ozone layer.

Ozone Layer: The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation.

Weather: There is minimal vertical convection in the stratosphere, leading to stable atmospheric conditions.

Jet Stream: The jet stream is present in the stratosphere, influencing high-altitude air currents.

Mesosphere:

Altitude: Located above the stratosphere, the mesosphere extends from about 50 to 85 kilometers above the Earth's surface.

Temperature: In the mesosphere, temperature generally decreases with altitude. It is the coldest layer of the Earth's atmosphere.

Thermosphere Transition: The mesosphere marks the transition between the stratosphere below and the thermosphere above.

Meteoric Activity: The mesosphere is where most meteorites burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere.

Noctilucent Clouds: These are the highest clouds in the Earth's atmosphere, forming in the mesosphere.

In summary, while both layers are part of Earth's atmosphere and share some common features, such as decreasing temperature with altitude, they differ in their specific characteristics, functions, and phenomena associated with them.