The jet aircrafts fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation? 1. There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower stratosphere 2. There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context?

1. Jet aircrafts often fly in the lower stratosphere to achieve smooth and efficient flight. 2. Statement 1 is correct. The stratosphere lies above the tropopause, the layer containing most of the Earth's weather. Consequently, the lower stratosphere is generally free from significant weather phenomena like clouds and high concentrations of water vapour. The absence of these elements reduces weather-related turbulence. 3. Statement 2 is correct. The troposphere experiences significant vertical winds (convection). However, the stratosphere is characterized by stable stratification (temperature generally increases with altitude), which suppresses vertical winds. The airflow is predominantly horizontal. This lack of vertical air movement contributes significantly to the smooth flying conditions preferred by jet aircrafts. 4. Both the absence of weather (clouds, water vapour) and the lack of vertical winds are key reasons why flying in the lower stratosphere is easy and smooth.