Introduction to the Earth's atmosphere

Front

What is the ionosphere?

Back

The ionosphere is the ionized part of the upper atmosphere of Earth, located from about 48 km (30 mi) to 965 km (600 mi) above sea level, including the thermosphere and parts of the mesosphere and exosphere.

Front

Which layer of the atmosphere is the warmest?

Back

The thermosphere is the warmest layer of the atmosphere.

Front

Which layer of the atmosphere is the coldest?

Back

The mesosphere is the coldest layer of the atmosphere.

Front

Where is most of the weather on Earth located?

Back

Most of the weather on Earth is located in the troposphere.

Front

What absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun in the stratosphere?

Back

Ozone absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun in the stratosphere.

Front

What is the troposphere?

Back

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where most weather events occur and where temperature decreases with altitude.

Front

What is the stratosphere?

Back

The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, located above the troposphere, characterized by a temperature increase with altitude and containing the ozone layer.

Front

What is the exosphere?

Back

The exosphere is 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

What is the mesosphere?

Back

The mesosphere is the layer of the atmosphere above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, where temperatures decrease with altitude and meteors burn up upon entering.

Front

What is the role of ozone in the atmosphere?

Back

Ozone plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.