Concept 2: Layers of the Atmosphere

Question 1

Identify the layers of Earth’s atmosphere in order (up to down) (5)

Answer 1

Exosphere ↓
Thermosphere↓
Mesosphere ↓
Stratosphere↓
Troposphere↓

Question 2

Describe the characteristics of the Exosphere

Answer 2

The outer edge of the atmosphere, reaches thousands of miles. Satellites orbit here.

Question 3

Describe the characteristics of the Thermosphere

Answer 3

The air is very thin, Solar radiation first hits this layer. Even though it’s super hot there you wouldn’t feel it because there are so few particles to transfer heat.

Question 4

Describe the characteristics of the Mesosphere

Answer 4

The middle layer, most meteors burn up here. Does Not absorb energy from the sun so it’s cold.

Question 5

Describe the characteristics of the Stratosphere

Answer 5

Contains the ozone layer, The temperature increases until here.

Question 6

Describe the characteristics of the Troposphere

Answer 6

Closest to the earth and contains 75% of the mass of the atmosphere. The weather happens here.

Question 7

Ozone layer

Answer 7

The ozone layer protects the earth from UV radiation