What you were taught is correct for a usual atmospheric column with a non-zero lapse rate. (judithcurry.com)
At some point in the vertical atmospheric column KE will equal PE and that is the point of equilibrium for the AAL. (newclimatemodel.com)
«If you look at the total atmospheric column, from your head on up to the top of the atmosphere, this solar proton event depleted less than one percent of the total ozone in the Northern Hemisphere,» Jackman said. (earthobservatory.nasa.gov)