atmosphere Flashcards
is a layer of gases that
surrounds the Earth. The atmosphere is
made up of different gases. It is composed of
a mixture of different gases, including
nitrogen (about 78%), oxygen (about 21%),
argon (about 0.93%), carbon dioxide, and
trace amounts of other gases such as water
vapor, methane,
ATMOSPHERE
5 layers of the atmosphere from innerost to outermost
Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
Exosphere
This is the layer closest to the Earth’s surface and
contains the majority of the atmosphere’s mass. Weather
events, such as clouds, precipitation, and storms, occur in
the troposphere. Temperature generally decreases with
altitude.
Troposphere
is known for the presence of the
ozone layer, which absorbs and protects against the majority of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Unlike the troposphere, temperature increases with altitude in this layer. Contains 80% of the total mass of the atmosphere.
Stratosphere
is where most meteorites burn up
upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere. Temperatures start decreasing again with altitude in this layer.
Mesosphere
is characterized by a significant
increase in temperature due to the absorption of solar radiation. However, despite the high temperatures, the low density of particles in this layer means that it would not feel hot to a human. The International Space Station orbits within the lower
Thermosphere
thermosphere is due to two occurrences
Ionosphere
Auroras
is a region within the Earth’s atmosphere that
contains a high concentration of ions and free electrons.
Ionosphere
Composed of ionized particles, primarily ions and free electrons.
Solar radiation, especially in the form of ultraviolet (UV) light, is
responsible for ionizing the gas molecules in this region.
Ionosphere
The ionosphere is involved in the formation of auroras,
such as the northern lights (aurora borealis) and southern lights
(aurora australis). Solar wind particles interact with the ionosphere,
causing the release of energy in the form of light.
Auroras:
is the outermost layer of the Earth’s
atmosphere, gradually transitioning into outer space. It has
extremely low density, and the few particles present can escape
into space. Satellites and other objects in orbit are found in this
layer.
Exosphere
4 (Play crucial roles in supporting and sustaining life on Earth)
Oxygen and Respiration
Carbon Dioxide and Photosynthesis
Climate Regulation
Protective Layer
it is when The atmosphere contains
oxygen, which is essential for
the respiration of many
organisms, including humans.
Organisms extract oxygen from
the air to support their
metabolic processes.
Oxygen and Respiration
it is when Plants and certain microorganisms utilize
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
during photosynthesis, converting it into
oxygen and organic compounds. This
process is vital for the production of food
and the maintenance of atmospheric oxygen levels.
Carbon Dioxide and Photosynthesis
it is when The atmosphere plays a critical
role in regulating Earth’s
temperature through the
greenhouse effect. It helps
maintain a suitable climate for
diverse forms of life.
Climate Regulation