ESS124
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
(from Understanding
Weather & Climate)
Standard Atmosphere
lapse rate = 6.5 C/km
q In thermosphere, oxygen molecules absorb
solar rays and warms the air.
q Because this layer has a low air
density,
the absorption of small amount of solar energy can cause
large temperature increase.
q The air temperature in the thermosphere is
affected greatly by solar activity.
Thermosphere