What does tropopause mean?
The tropopause is the upper boundary of the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, and the point at which the troposphere gives way to the stratosphere. Its name reflects this role as a pause or transition between atmospheric layers. Near the tropopause, the usual tendency for air temperature to decrease with altitude changes, and temperature generally begins to increase in the stratosphere above it. The tropopause is also closely associated with jet streams, which commonly form near its boundaries. Its height varies with latitude, season, and weather conditions, making it important in meteorology, climatology, aviation, and studies of atmospheric chemistry. For general audiences, it is most often encountered in discussions of high-altitude flight, weather patterns, ozone, or climate change.
nounThe upper boundary of the troposphere, separating it from the stratosphere. It is characterized by a change in the vertical temperature gradient and lies near the level of the subtropical and polar jet streams.
- The boundary in the atmosphere between the troposphere and the stratosphere.
"Commercial aircraft often cruise near the tropopause, where the atmosphere is relatively stable and free of turbulence associated with lower-level weather."
"The aircraft climbed through a sharp jet near the tropopause before entering smoother air."
"At high latitudes, the tropopause can be much lower and more variable than it is near the equator."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; scientific writing normally uses the singular.
"Researchers compared the heights of the tropopauses above different regions."
Cross the tropopause and the air stops getting colder as you rise—a temperature reversal that helps keep the stratosphere comparatively calm and stable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tropopause come from?
Tropopause was coined in German as a combination of Greek roots meaning “turn” or “change” and “cessation” or “stopping.” It referred to the turning point or pause in the atmosphere's temperature trend. The term subsequently entered English and other scientific languages with its modern atmospheric meaning.
How tropopause is actually used
This is a specialized term used in meteorology, climatology, and atmospheric science. It is uncommon in everyday speech, and the singular is much more usual than the plural.
Easily confused with tropopause
The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, while the tropopause is the upper boundary of that layer.
The stratosphere is the atmospheric layer above the tropopause, whereas the tropopause is the narrow boundary separating the two layers.