An Overview of the Layers of the Atmosphere
The Earth’s atmosphere is made up of several layers that each perform a specific function. The atmosphere is a blanket of air that surrounds the Earth and is made up of 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen. Other gases such as carbon dioxide, argon and water vapor also make up the atmosphere. The different layers of the atmosphere are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. Each layer is distinct from the other and each layer performs an important role in the ecosystem of the planet.
The Troposphere
The troposphere is the closest layer to the surface of the Earth and is located approximately 8 to 10 miles above the surface. It is the layer where most weather activity occurs and it is the layer that is most affected by human activities. The troposphere is where most of the air pollution is found. It is also the layer where clouds form, most of the Earth’s water vapor is found and where most of the Earth’s weather happens. The layer is heated from below and cooled from above, which creates a stable temperature. The temperature of the troposphere decreases with altitude.
The Stratosphere
The stratosphere is the layer of the atmosphere located above the troposphere and is located approximately 30 miles above the Earth’s surface. This layer is the layer where most of the Earth’s ozone is found. This layer is heated by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which is why the temperature increases with altitude. The ozone in the upper stratosphere helps protect the Earth from the sun’s harmful radiation. The stratosphere is also home to many commercial airliners, as the air is less turbulent and there is less air resistance.
The Mesosphere
The mesosphere is the layer of the atmosphere located above the stratosphere and is located approximately 50 miles above the Earth’s surface. This layer is the coldest layer of the atmosphere and the temperature decreases with altitude. This layer is home to meteors and shooting stars, as this is where most meteors burn up due to the intense cold and lack of air resistance. This layer is also home to aurora and noctilucent clouds, which are caused by the sun’s radiation interacting with the upper atmosphere.
The Thermosphere
The thermosphere is the layer of the atmosphere located above the mesosphere and is located approximately 400 miles above the Earth’s surface. This layer is the hottest layer of the atmosphere and the temperature increases with altitude. This layer is home to the International Space Station and satellites, as there is no air resistance at this altitude. The sun’s ultraviolet radiation heats up the gases in the thermosphere, which is why the temperature increases with altitude.
The Exosphere
The exosphere is the most distant layer of the atmosphere, and it is located approximately 5,000 miles above the Earth’s surface. This layer is where the Earth’s atmosphere meets outer space. This layer is home to the Van Allen radiation belts, which are two belts of charged particles that are held in place by the Earth’s magnetic field. The exosphere is also home to the International Space Station and satellites, as there is no air resistance at this altitude.
Conclusion
The Earth’s atmosphere is made up of several distinct layers that each perform specific functions. The troposphere is the closest layer to the Earth’s surface and is where most of the Earth’s weather happens. The stratosphere is the layer where most of the Earth’s ozone is found and where commercial airliners fly. The mesosphere is the coldest layer of the atmosphere and is home to meteors and aurora. The thermosphere is the hottest layer of the atmosphere and is home to the International Space Station and satellites. The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere and is where the Earth’s atmosphere meets outer space. Each layer plays an important role in the functioning of the Earth’s atmosphere.
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