ATMOSPHERE Flashcards
What are the layers of the atmosphere?
The Earth’s atmosphere is divided into five main layers: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere.
Mnemonic for remembering the layers
The Smart Monkey Thinks Excellent (Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere).
What is the lowest layer?
Troposphere.
Characteristics of Troposphere
Closest to Earth’s surface, contains most of the atmosphere’s mass, where weather occurs, temperature decreases with altitude.
Height range of Troposphere
Extends from the surface to about 8-15 km (5-9 miles).
Why is the Troposphere important?
It contains the air we breathe and most of the weather phenomena.
What is the second layer?
Stratosphere.
Characteristics of Stratosphere
Contains the ozone layer, temperature increases with altitude due to absorption of UV radiation.
Height range of Stratosphere
Extends from about 15 to 50 km (9-31 miles).
Why is the Stratosphere important?
The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
What is the third layer?
Mesosphere.
Characteristics of Mesosphere
Coldest layer, temperature decreases with altitude, meteors burn up in this layer.
Height range of Mesosphere
Extends from about 50 to 85 km (31-53 miles).
Why is the Mesosphere important?
Protects Earth by burning up most meteoroids before they reach the surface.
What is the fourth layer?
Thermosphere.
Characteristics of Thermosphere
Hottest layer, temperature increases with altitude, contains the ionosphere which enables radio communication.
Height range of Thermosphere
Extends from about 85 to 600 km (53-373 miles).
Why is the Thermosphere important?
It absorbs high-energy solar radiation and is home to the auroras (Northern and Southern Lights).
What is the outermost layer?
Exosphere.
Characteristics of Exosphere
Outer boundary of the atmosphere, merges with space, extremely thin air, contains hydrogen and helium.
Height range of Exosphere
Extends from about 600 km to 10,000 km (373-6,200 miles).
Why is the Exosphere important?
It gradually transitions into outer space and contains some satellites.
What is the Ionosphere?
A region within the Thermosphere and Mesosphere that contains charged particles and is important for radio waves.
What is the function of the Ionosphere?
Reflects radio waves back to Earth, enabling long-distance communication.
How do temperatures change in each layer?
Troposphere (decreases), Stratosphere (increases), Mesosphere (decreases), Thermosphere (increases), Exosphere (varies).
Where do auroras occur?
In the Thermosphere, caused by interactions between solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field.
Where do commercial airplanes fly?
In the lower Stratosphere to avoid turbulence from weather in the Troposphere.
Where do space shuttles orbit?
In the Thermosphere, just below the Exosphere.
Where do meteors burn up?
In the Mesosphere.
Where is the ozone layer located?
In the Stratosphere.
Why does the ozone layer matter?
It absorbs and blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
