What is the average temperature range in the stratosphere?

The stratosphere is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, lying above the troposphere and extending from about 10 to 50 kilometers (6 to 31 miles) above sea level. In this layer, the temperature behaves differently compared to the troposphere. Within the lower stratosphere, temperatures can reach around -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), while in the upper stratosphere, they can drop to as low as -50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit).

The average temperature can vary depending on the altitude, but it generally falls within the range of -40 to -50 degrees Fahrenheit, which corresponds to the answer selected. Thus, it accurately reflects the usual temperature range experienced in the stratosphere. Understanding this temperature gradient is important because it influences weather patterns and aviation, considering that the stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.