Layers of the Atmosphere

The Earth’s Atmosphere Definition- A thin layer of air

that forms a protective covering around the planet

Gases found in the atmosphere Nitrogen – 78% Oxygen – 21% 1% - trace amounts of other

gases

Solids found in the atmosphere dust salt pollen

Liquids found in the atmosphere water up to 4% water vapor

Troposphere Closest layer to Earth’s

surface - We live here! All weather occurs here 99% of all the water vapor

is found here 75% of all atmospheric

gases are found here

The temperature decreases as you go up in altitude ( drops ~6.5 C foe every km)

Gases close to Earth are heated by Earth’s surface & as you move farther away from the surface the air gets cooler

Stratosphere The ozone layer is found here

Ozone is made up of 3 oxygen atoms Protects us from the Sun’s

ultraviolet rays

Planes and jets fly here because it is stable here

Weather balloons found here

The temperature increases as you go up in altitude because ozone layer absorbs Earth’s radiation

Mesosphere Scientists know least about

this layer Meteors burn up in this layer

because of friction with the air molecules (called “shooting stars”

This is the coldest layer (b/c air molecule thin out

with height so they don’t absorb as much radiiation)

Temperatures decrease as you go up in altitude

Thermosphere Thickest layer Contains the ionosphere

A layer of electrically charged particles

Allows radio waves to travel aCuculutcuculclualdjflkadnsfcross the country

Causes the Northern and Southern lights (auroras)

Temperatures increase as you go up in altitude