Layers of the Atmosphere

Front

What is the ozone layer?

Back

A region of Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) and absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Front

How does the ozone layer protect the Earth?

Back

It absorbs solar radiation and protects Earth from harmful UV rays.

Front

What happens to temperature in the troposphere as altitude increases?

Back

Temperature decreases as altitude increases.

Front

What is the troposphere?

Back

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs and temperature decreases with altitude.

Front

What is the stratosphere?

Back

The second layer of the atmosphere, above the troposphere, where the ozone layer is located and temperature increases with altitude.

Front

What is the mesosphere?

Back

The third layer of the atmosphere, above the stratosphere, where temperature decreases with altitude.

Front

What is the thermosphere?

Back

The layer of the atmosphere farthest from Earth's surface, characterized by high temperatures and low density.

Front

What is the exosphere?

Back

The outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, where atmospheric particles are so sparse that they can travel hundreds of kilometers without colliding with one another.

Front

Which layers of the atmosphere have decreasing temperature as altitude increases?

Back

Troposphere and Mesosphere.

Front

What is the ionosphere?

Back

A region of the atmosphere that is ionized by solar and cosmic radiation, important for radio communication.