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mesosphere

mesosphere

2 9.5
A layer of the atmosphere 50 to 85 kilometres above Earth that is very cold and where meteors burn up
  • noun
  • /ˈmɛsəˌsfɪr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mesosfera
  • Meteorologists study the mesosphere to understand its role in atmospheric dynamics and temperature regulation.

Examples

  • The troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere lie below the turbopause.

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  • Temperatures in the upper mesosphere fall as low as -100 °C (173 K; -148 °F), varying according to latitude and season.

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  • We are approaching the mesosphere.

  • Within the mesosphere, temperature decreases with increasing altitude.

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  • The mesosphere is where meteors generally put on their show.

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  • Above the mesosphere is the thermosphere.

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  • Then there's the mesosphere, and finally up here, this is the thermosphere.

  • Although these events usually happen above active thunderstorm cells and extend into the mesosphere and ionosphere, their effects throughout a thunderstorm cell when produced are relatively unknown.

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  • The mesosphere is located above the stratosphere, extending from about 50 to 85 kilometers in altitude.

  • During the summer months, noctilucent clouds can often be observed in the mesosphere, showcasing unique weather phenomena.

How High

exosphere
  • Specialized
1 9.9
thermosphere
  • Specialized
2 9.5
mesosphere
  • Specialized
2 9.5
stratosphere
  • Specialized
23 6.5
troposphere
  • Specialized
8 7.4

Surface Forms

mesosphere singular
mesospheres plural

Morphology

mesosphere = sphere (semi-transparent) = meso + sphere

The combining form 'meso-' means 'middle' and combines with 'sphere' to name the middle atmospheric layer, but 'meso-' is a scientific combining form that many B1 learners may not recognize.

Etymology

Mesosphere comes from meso- meaning 'middle' and -sphere meaning 'ball' or 'globe', so it literally means the 'middle layer' of air around the Earth. That's why mesosphere refers to the middle part of the atmosphere high above the ground.