2.1 Layers of the atmosphere and their characteristics
3 min read•july 22, 2024
Earth's atmosphere is a complex system of layers, each with unique properties. From the where we live to the at the edge of space, these layers play crucial roles in protecting life and regulating our climate.
Understanding the atmosphere's structure helps us grasp , ozone depletion, and climate change. The in the shields us from harmful UV rays, while the troposphere is where most weather happens.
Atmospheric Layers and Characteristics
Layers of Earth's atmosphere
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Troposphere
Lowest layer extends from Earth's surface to an average altitude of 12 km (7.5 miles)
Contains 75-80% of the atmosphere's mass and nearly all water vapor and aerosols
Stratosphere
Layer above the troposphere extends from the to an altitude of about 50 km (31 miles)
Contains the ozone layer which absorbs harmful UV from the sun
Layer above the stratosphere extends from the to an altitude of about 85 km (53 miles)
Coldest layer where temperatures can drop to -90°C (-130°F) at the mesopause
Layer above the mesosphere extends from the mesopause to an altitude between 500-1,000 km (311-621 miles)
(northern and southern lights) occur in this layer due to charged particles from the sun
Exosphere
Outermost layer extends from the thermopause to an altitude of about 10,000 km (6,200 miles)
Transitional zone between Earth's atmosphere and outer space
Characteristics of atmospheric layers
Troposphere
Temperature decreases with altitude at an average of 6.5°C/km (3.6°F/1,000 ft)
Pressure and density decrease rapidly with altitude
Contains almost all atmospheric water vapor and is where most weather phenomena occur (clouds, precipitation)
Stratosphere
Temperature increases with altitude due to ozone absorbing UV radiation
Pressure continues decreasing with altitude but more slowly than in the troposphere
Very dry and stable layer with little vertical mixing
Mesosphere
Temperature decreases with altitude reaching the coldest point at the mesopause
Pressure continues decreasing and is about 1/1000th of sea level pressure at the top
Noctilucent clouds can form at the top of this layer during summer at high latitudes
Thermosphere
Temperature increases significantly with altitude and can reach up to 2,000°C (3,632°F)
is very low but individual gas molecules can reach high speeds
Highly variable temperatures due to solar activity and the diurnal cycle
Exosphere
Extremely thin layer with negligible
Hydrogen and helium are the main components and can escape into space
Satellites (ISS) and the aurora (northern lights) occur in this layer
Function of atmospheric boundaries
Tropopause
Boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere around 12 km (7.5 miles) altitude
Marked by abrupt change in lapse rate from positive (troposphere) to negative (stratosphere)
Acts as a "lid" that limits the vertical rise of air from the troposphere, controlling weather
Stratopause
Boundary between the stratosphere and mesosphere around 50 km (31 miles) altitude
Marked by a reversal in lapse rate from negative (stratosphere) to positive (mesosphere)
Separates the stable stratosphere from the turbulent mesosphere
Ozone layer in stratosphere
Ozone layer
Region of naturally high ozone (O3) concentrations within the stratosphere
Located roughly 20-30 km (12-19 miles) above Earth's surface
Ozone absorbs harmful solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially UV-B and UV-C wavelengths
Protects life on Earth's surface from DNA damage and higher skin cancer risk
Stratospheric temperature inversion
Ozone absorbing UV radiation causes the unusual temperature increase with altitude
Creates a stable layer with limited vertical mixing between the troposphere and stratosphere
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other manufactured chemicals can deplete ozone
Ozone holes (severe depletion) can develop over polar regions during late winter/early spring