Troposphere

/ˈtroʊpəˌsfɪr/ noun

Definition

The lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere, where most weather happens and where we live and breathe.

Etymology

From Greek *tropos* “turning, change” + *sphaira* “sphere.” It was named in the early 20th century to describe the layer where air is constantly mixing and changing, producing weather.

Kelly Says

The troposphere is only about as tall as a stack of ten Mount Everests, yet it holds almost all the air and weather we experience. Above it, the sky looks empty and calm, but down here everything is swirling, turning, and storming—just like the name suggests.

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