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

From orbit, scientists can identify chemicals in the upper atmosphere, including ammonia, methane, ammonium hydrosulfide, water, and carbon monoxide.

From Science Daily

When a solar storm hits Earth, it causes the upper atmosphere to expand and thicken, increasing drag on satellites.

From Science Daily

In this case, the solar wind can knock charged particles loose from Earth's upper atmosphere.

From Science Daily

The escaping helium originates from the planet's extended upper atmosphere, known as the "exosphere."

From Science Daily

This form of radiation affects the chemistry and temperature in Earth's upper atmosphere, but it is not a direct cause of the long-term warming trend near the planet's surface.

From Science Daily