Stratosphere

(a) It is the layer of atmosphere above the troposphere.

(b) Its thickness is 50-55 km.

(c) The temperature in the stratosphere first remains constant and then increases slightly with height, and then decreases again.

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(d) This layer is free from atmospheric disturbances and is therefore ideal for flying of jet aircrafts.

(e) It has a thick layer of ozone which protects us from the harmful ultraviolet rays. The movement of air is horizontal.

Ionosphere

(a) The layer of the atmosphere above the stratosphere is called the Ionosphere.

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(b) It is separated from the stratosphere by the tropopause.

(c) This layer has electrically charged particles called ions.

(d) these ions reflect radio waves back to the earth’s surface. Thus making wireless communication pos­sible.

(e) This layer absorbs the x-rays of the sun. The temperature here again begins to increase with height. Above this layer is the exosphere.