The thermosphere and stratosphere are atmospheric layers that receive and interact with significant amounts of solar radiation.
Thermosphere: A Layer of Intense Solar Activity
The thermosphere is the first layer of the atmosphere to encounter the Sun's radiation. This direct exposure leads to intense solar activity within this layer. The interaction of solar radiation with atmospheric particles causes ionization, creating the ionosphere—a region rich in ions and free electrons that overlaps with the thermosphere. [Source: Reference mentioning the thermosphere and its interaction with solar radiation]
Stratosphere: Home to the Ozone Layer
The stratosphere houses the ozone layer, crucial for life on Earth. The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation from the sun, preventing dangerous levels from reaching the Earth's surface. Depletion of this layer increases the amount of UV-B radiation reaching the surface, impacting human health and the environment. [Sources: Multiple references detailing the ozone layer's role in absorbing UV radiation and the consequences of ozone depletion]. Studies have shown that in some regions, surface UVB radiation can double during certain times of the year due to ozone depletion. [Source: Reference showing the impact of ozone depletion on surface UVB radiation].
In summary, both the thermosphere and stratosphere contain significant amounts of radiation, but in different forms and with different consequences. The thermosphere directly interacts with high-energy solar radiation, leading to ionization. The stratosphere, specifically its ozone layer, absorbs and filters harmful UV radiation from the sun, protecting life on Earth.
