The Layers of Earth’s Atmosphere

Front

What is the atmosphere?

Back

The atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding Earth, acting as a protective shield that blocks harmful rays from the sun, keeps temperatures stable, and provides oxygen.

Front

How many main layers does Earth's atmosphere have?

Back

Earth's atmosphere is divided into five main layers.

Front

What is the troposphere?

Back

The troposphere is the layer closest to Earth, extending from the ground up to 8-15 kilometers (5-9 miles) above sea level, where all weather occurs and contains about 75% of the atmosphere's total mass.

Front

What happens to temperature as you go higher in the troposphere?

Back

The temperature drops as you go higher in the troposphere.

Front

What is a fun fact about the troposphere?

Back

Most airplanes fly in the lower part of the troposphere.

Front

What is the stratosphere?

Back

The stratosphere is the layer above the troposphere, extending from 15 km to 50 km (9-31 miles) above Earth's surface, containing the ozone layer that protects us from harmful UV rays.

Front

How does temperature change in the stratosphere?

Back

In the stratosphere, the temperature increases as you go higher.

Front

What is a fun fact about the stratosphere?

Back

Weather balloons float in the stratosphere to measure conditions.

Front

What is the mesosphere?

Back

The mesosphere is the layer from 50 km to about 85 km (31-53 miles) above Earth, known for being the coldest layer and where meteors burn up.

Front

What is a fun fact about the mesosphere?

Back

The mesosphere is the least explored layer of our atmosphere.