The tropopause is the boundary layer between the troposphere, where weather occurs, and the stratosphere above it. It is characterized by a temperature inversion, meaning that temperature increases with altitude, which contrasts with the cooling temperatures of the troposphere. The altitude of the tropopause varies with latitude and weather conditions, typically reaching higher altitudes in the tropics and lower in polar regions. It plays a crucial role in limiting the vertical mixing of air and pollutants between these two atmospheric layers.