Earth’s Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Thin layer of gases that surround and protect our planet.

Consists of five layers that interact with each other to circulate these gases and protect us from the harms of space.

Nitrogen 78%Oxygen 21%Argon .9%Carbon Dioxide .04%Other .06%

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere. This is where all life exists.

6-10 Miles from Earth

This is the layer where clouds develop, birds fly, and pollution collects ( some pollutants escape to the next layer )

Stratosphere

The second layer of the atmosphere.

10 – 30 Miles high

This layer acts to slow down radiation and includes the Ozone Layer.

The stratosphere has higher temperatures than troposphere due to the UV rays from the sun.

Ozone Layer

The Ozone layer protects our planet from harmful UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun.

A chemical reaction takes place absorbing the UV radiation and releasing IR (infrared) radiation.

This process warms the stratosphere.

Remember those pollutants from the Troposphere? They slowly break down the Ozone Layer.

Mesosphere

The third layer of the atmosphere.

30 – 50 miles high

The mesosphere is cooler than the Stratosphere and acts as a shield against space debris.

Scientists know less about this layer than any other layer due to its difficulty to study.

Thermosphere

The fourth layer of our atmosphere.

50 – 350 miles high

Temperatures range from 500 – 2000 degrees Celsius.

The space shuttles and ISS orbit Earth in this layer of the atmosphere.

Home of the Southern and Northern lights.

Exosphere

The fifth and outermost layer of the atmosphere.

The exosphere gradually becomes outer space so there is no clear height of this layer.

Unstable molecules escape into space where our satellites orbit the Earth

Earth’s Layers

What is the function of the different layers?

Do they serve any purpose?

Convection

Convection is the transfer of heat by the actual movement of the heated material.

Convection currents drive the weather.

Earth’s Layers

On the next available page, illustrate the layers of the atmosphere and label them with any information you find useful.

Resources / Exploration

Five Layers:

http://scied.ucar.edu/shortcontent/earths-atmosphere