What happens to the air temperature above 37,000 feet?

At altitudes above 37,000 feet, the behavior of air temperature is characterized by a decrease in temperature as altitude increases, known as the troposphere behavior. However, as one ascends further into the stratosphere, which starts around 33,000 feet to 39,000 feet depending on location and conditions, the temperature actually stabilizes or remains nearly constant for a certain distance.

During this layer, the temperature does not show the same continuous decrease as it does in the lower atmosphere. Instead, it can level off for several miles before eventually beginning to rise again as altitude continues to increase. This phenomenon is due to the presence of ozone in the stratosphere which absorbs and re-emits ultraviolet solar radiation, leading to warming at higher altitudes.

Understanding this behavior is crucial for aviation contexts, as it affects aircraft performance, weather patterns, and atmospheric conditions during flight.