S6E4.a - Layers of Earth's Atmosphere

Front

What is the ozone layer?

Back

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

Front

Why is the ozone layer vital to life on Earth?

Back

It shields the Earth from ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.

Front

What layer of the atmosphere has the highest air pressure?

Back

Troposphere.

Front

What happens to temperature in the troposphere as altitude increases?

Back

The temperature decreases.

Front

What layer of the atmosphere do meteors burn up in?

Back

Mesosphere.

Front

What is the troposphere?

Back

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs and where most of the mass of the atmosphere is found.

Front

What is the stratosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the mesosphere?

Back

The layer of the atmosphere above the stratosphere, where temperatures decrease with altitude and meteors burn up.

Front

What is the thermosphere?

Back

The layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere, characterized by very high temperatures and where the auroras occur.

Front

What is the exosphere?

Back

The outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, where the atmosphere thins out and merges with outer space.