Layers of the Atmosphere

1. Layers of the Atmosphere

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Thermosphere • Thickest layer • Contains the ionosphere • A layer of electrically charged particles • Allows radio waves to travel aCuculutcuculclualdjflkadnsfcrossthe country • Causes the Northern and Southern lights (auroras) • Temperatures increase as you go up in altitude