🌍 GeographyUPSC 2011Soil

The jet aircraft fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation?1. There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower stratosphere.2. There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere.Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context?

a1 only
b2 only
cBoth 1 and 2
dNeither 1 nor 2
✓ Correct answer: c) Both 1 and 2
ExplanationStatement 1 is correct: The lower stratosphere is most- ly free from clouds and water vapor, as most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere below.This impacts the clear air condi- tions, making it ideal for jet aircraft to fly smoothly.Statement 2 is correct: The stratosphere is a stable layer with no vertical air movements like convection currents.In con- trast, the troposphere experiences turbulence due to rising and falling air masses.The absence of vertical winds in the lower stratosphere ensures a steady flight for jet aircraft.Stratosphere: It is the second layer of Earth’s atmosphere, ex- tending from about 12 km to 50 km above the surface.It con- tains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful UV radiation.Unlike the troposphere, temperature increases with altitude due to ozone absorption.The air is dry and stable, with almost no clouds or weather disturbances, making it suitable for jet air- craft and weather balloons.44

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