Term

tropopause

Daniel MarkFounder & Editor, Aviatopia
Published Mar 1, 2026Updated Mar 1, 20261 min read

The boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere, where temperature stops decreasing with altitude — important for turbulence prediction and flight level selection.

aviation-glossary

Quick Facts

Type
Atmospheric Boundary
Definition
The boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere, where temperature stop...
Used By
Pilots, Meteorologists

Definition#

The tropopause is the atmospheric boundary between the troposphere (where most weather occurs) and the stratosphere. Its altitude varies from about 26,000 ft at the poles to 56,000 ft near the equator.

Why It Matters Operationally#

Jet streams and CAT are concentrated near the tropopause. Understanding its height and temperature helps dispatchers select optimal cruise altitudes and predict turbulence zones.

Related Guides#

Related Terms#

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