upper atmosphere

American  

noun

Meteorology.

1. the portion of the atmosphere above the troposphere.

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upper atmosphere British  

noun

1. meteorol that part of the atmosphere above the troposphere

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upper atmosphere Scientific  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of upper atmosphere

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

This molecule forms in Saturn's upper atmosphere and serves as a natural indicator of temperature.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2026

When Earth's upper atmosphere heats up and expands, satellites orbiting the planet experience greater atmospheric drag.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

This saw the capsule dip into the upper atmosphere, briefly climb again, then plunge back in so as to best cope with the heat, G-forces and splashdown accuracy needed.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

As climate change shifts atmospheric conditions, experts warn that air travel could become bumpier: temperature changes and shifting wind patterns in the upper atmosphere are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of severe turbulence.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Even Warbeak was beginning to feel the effects of prolonged low nighttime fluttering, through the woodlands, around trees, over bushes; it was not the same as a clear, clean flight through the upper atmosphere.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques