upper atmosphere

noun

, Meteorology.

1. the portion of the atmosphere above the troposphere.

upper atmosphere

noun

1. meteorol that part of the atmosphere above the troposphere

upper atmosphere

1. The part of the atmosphere above the troposphere. The upper atmosphere includes the mesosphere, the ionosphere, the thermosphere, and the exosphere. Temperatures in the upper atmosphere decrease with increasing altitude except in the thermosphere, where temperatures increase significantly with altitude, because the few molecules present receive intense solar radiation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of upper atmosphere¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Some researchers worry this injection of metals in the upper atmosphere could be damaging.

From Los Angeles Times

Some researchers worry this injection of metals in the upper atmosphere could be damaging.

From Los Angeles Times

This injection of metals and other compounds into the upper atmosphere has the potential to disturb the delicate balance of elements and molecules in the air, the letter argues.

From Los Angeles Times

The unusual hues should continue until Monday, when more unsettled weather will begin to disperse the smoke in the upper atmosphere.

From BBC

High pressure systems in the upper atmosphere typically drive all of California’s major heat waves, creating a lid over an area as air sinks — a phenomenon sometimes referred to as a heat dome — which prevents hot air from rising, essentially trapping it.

From Los Angeles Times