Vertical temperature distribution is the most common criterion used in defining atmospheric regions. Three popular systems of nomenclature are based on the thermal stratification of the atmosphere. Figure A84 displays these three classification schemes and the vertical temperature structure of the atmosphere up to 110 km.
Vertical distribution of temperature up to 100 km, according to the US standard atmosphere, 1962, and three common systems of nomenclature (after Craig, 1965).
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Bibliography
Brasseur, G., and Solomon, S., 1984. Aeronomy of the Middle Atmosphere: chemistry and physics in the stratosphere and mesosphere. Dordrecht, Holland: D. Reidel.
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Atmosphere
Inversion
Lapse Rate
Troposphere
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Cerveny, R.S. (2005). Atmospheric Nomenclature. In: Oliver, J.E. (eds) Encyclopedia of World Climatology. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht . https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3266-8_24
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