The lowest layer of the atmosphere located between the earth's surface to approximately 11 miles (17 kilometers) into the atmosphere. Characterized by clouds and weather, temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude.
The layer of the atmosphere from the earth's surface up to the
tropopause , characterized by decreasing temperature with height (except, perhaps, in thin layers - see
inversion ,
cap ), vertical wind motion, appreciable water vapor content, and sensible weather (clouds, rain, etc.).
