AMaximum temperature gradient
BConstant temperature zone
CLowest pressure in the atmosphere
DOzone concentration peak
Answer:
B. Constant temperature zone
Read Explanation:
Correct Answer: Option B) Constant temperature zone
The tropopause is the atmospheric boundary layer that separates the troposphere from the stratosphere, and its most distinctive characteristic is that it represents a constant temperature zone or temperature inversion layer.
Key Characteristics of the Tropopause:
Constant Temperature Zone: The tropopause is characterized by a region where temperature remains relatively constant or even slightly increases with altitude, marking the end of the troposphere's temperature decrease pattern.
Temperature Inversion: In the troposphere below, temperature generally decreases with altitude at a rate of about 6.5°C per kilometer. However, at the tropopause, this pattern stops, and temperature stabilizes or begins to increase as you enter the stratosphere.
Altitude Variation: The height of the tropopause varies with latitude and season - it's highest at the equator (about 17-18 km) and lowest at the poles (about 8-10 km).
Weather Boundary: The tropopause acts as a lid that prevents most weather phenomena from the troposphere from extending into the stratosphere.
Jet Stream Location: Commercial aircraft often fly near the tropopause to take advantage of jet streams and avoid turbulent weather below.
The other options are incorrect because:
Maximum temperature gradient occurs within the troposphere, not at the tropopause
Lowest atmospheric pressure occurs much higher in the atmosphere
Ozone concentration peak is found in the stratosphere, above the tropopause