Consider the following statements related to stratification of atmospheric layers: 1. All storms and cloudiness are restricted to stratosphere. 2. Cirrus clouds are formed on the top layers of troposphere. 3. Stratosphere is also an ‘isoclinal layer’. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

Statement 1 is incorrect because the bulk of all weather, clouds, and storms are contained within the troposphere, not the stratosphere [2]. The stratosphere is generally free from clouds and weather phenomena, although rare nacreous or cirrus clouds may appear at its lower levels [1]. Statement 2 is correct as cirrus clouds are high-altitude clouds typically found in the upper layers of the troposphere [1]. Statement 3 is correct because the stratosphere contains an 'isothermal' or 'isoclinal' layer in its lower portion where the temperature remains constant with increasing altitude before it begins to rise due to ozone absorption [1]. Since the temperature lapse rate is zero in this specific zone, it is characterized as isoclinal. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are the only correct statements regarding atmospheric stratification.

Sources

1. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 1: BASIC CONCEPTS OF ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY > Structure of the Atmosphere > p. 7
2. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 20: Earths Atmosphere > Stratosphere (12 to 50 km) > p. 275