The middle atmosphere - Processes and interactions

An overview of the physical processes and their interactions in the middle atmosphere is presented with emphasis on the interactions. The main physical processes which determine the radiation balance, the thermal structure, the dynamical motions, and the concentrations of ozone and other minor constituents in the stratosphere and mesosphere are first outlined. Then the feedback mechanisms and the multiple interactions among the radiative, chemical-photochemical and dynamical processes are described illustratively, but not comprehensively, with special emphasis on the central role of ozone in the stratospheric and lower mesospheric processes.