Question #710f4
1 Answer
water vapour has approximately the same relative density as Oxygen and nitrogen so remains within the troposphere -
Explanation:
Gases like all fluids (in a gravitational field) arrange themselves in the atmosphere in accordance with their relative densities. heavier at he bottom (surface) and lighter nearer to space.
Some mixing does occur due to the weather cycles and wind patterns but this happens mostly in the troposphere.
The stratosphere lacks oxygen in sufficient concentrations as being a denser gas it is less available as we gain height. Thus mountaineers, pilots and passengers in jet planes, require oxygen masks or stored oxygen to supplement their breathing requirement.
These planes routinely travel at heights (greater than 7,500 m) and so breathing becomes difficult due to lack of oxygen.
Water vapour, including clouds, have almost the same density as oxygen so remains in the lower regions of the atmosphere.
