13.1 The Composition and Structure of Earth's Atmosphere

Question 1

Exosphere

Answer 1

The extreme outermost part of Earth’s atmosphere, composed of hydrogen and helium.

Question 2

Ionosphere

Answer 2

The zone within the thermosphere characterized by ionized gases which reflect some radio signals back towards the surface.

Question 3

Mesosphere

Answer 3

The layer of Earth’s atmosphere extending from 50 to 80 km (30 to 50 mi) in altitude, characterized by increasing temperatures with altitude.

Question 4

Meteorologist

Answer 4

A person who studies the atmosphere.

Question 5

Meteorology

Answer 5

The study of the atmosphere.

Question 6

Ozone

Answer 6

A molecule with three oxygen atoms (O₃) that is present in trace amounts in Earth’s atmosphere. Ozone in the stratosphere blocks deadly ultraviolet radiation from space; ozone in the troposphere is considered to be a pollutant.

Question 7

Ozone layer

Answer 7

A layer within Earth’s stratosphere that has a higher concentration of ozone that other parts of the atmosphere.

Question 8

Stratosphere

Answer 8

The layer of Earth’s atmosphere above the troposphere, extending 11–50 km (7-30 mi) above Earth’s surface.

Question 9

Thermosphere

Answer 9

The part of Earth’s upper atmosphere above 80 km (50 mi), characterized by increasing temperatures with altitude.

Question 10

Troposphere

Answer 10

The lowermost layer of the atmosphere, characterized by decreasing average temperatures from ground level up to an average altitude of about 11 km (7 mi).