Layers of the Atmosphere

Introduction

• Lecture delivered from space, observing Earth and its atmospheric layers.
• Focus on learning about the various layers of the atmosphere.

Troposphere

• Location: Closest to Earth's surface; extends 4-10 miles.
• Characteristics:
  • Where weather occurs.
  • Temperature decreases with altitude.
  • Contains more than 75% of the atmosphere's mass.

Stratosphere

• Location: Above the troposphere; extends 30-35 miles above Earth.
• Characteristics:
  • Temperature increases with altitude.
  • Contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful UV rays.
  • Airplanes fly in this layer due to lack of weather disturbances.

Mesosphere

• Location: Above the stratosphere; extends up to 50 miles.
• Characteristics:
  • Most meteors burn upon entry here.

Thermosphere

• Location: Above the mesosphere; extends up to 400 miles.
• Characteristics:
  • Air is very thin, temperatures extremely hot.
  • Contains the ionosphere, where many atoms are ionized.
  • Electrical charges present, aiding in radio wave transmission.

Exosphere

• Location: Outermost layer; extends up to 6,200 miles.
• Characteristics:
  • Air is extremely thin.

Trivia

• The troposphere contains more than 75% of the atmosphere's mass.
• The ions in the ionosphere help transmit radio waves.

Conclusion

• Return to Earth from space.
• Teaser for more fun facts in future sessions.