Stratosphere: The outer layer of the atmosphere beginning at about 35,000ft defined as the strata of air in which the temperature gradient remains constant - at about -70°F. Stratus: A fog-like layer of low cloud.
The atmosphere is divided vertically into four layers based on temperature: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.
The second layer is the stratosphere which is 26 to 29 miles thick. The boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere is called the tropopause. The height of the tropopause varies with latitude, seasonal and diurnal changes.
Jet Streams are air currents found in the stratosphere and tropopause being is located about 6 to 15 miles above the Earth surface. They are fast flowing bodies of air moving in the same direction and consist of relatively the same temperature.
The return flow down from the stratosphere (high pressure, very dry descending air, and no clouds) generally occurs over a wide area, not concentrated into any sort of front. There is no sudden wind shift, and no sudden change in temperature.
They all climbed to the edge of the stratosphere and then let down and landed again straight ahead, on the same runway where they took off.
See also: Flight, Speed, Aviation, Aircraft, Direct
 
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