Earth's Atmosphere

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What is the Stratosphere?

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The Stratosphere is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the Troposphere and below the Mesosphere, extending from about 10 km to 50 km above the Earth's surface. It is where commercial airplanes typically fly due to its stable air.

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How high does the Stratosphere extend above Earth's surface?

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The Stratosphere extends up to about 50 km above the Earth's surface.

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What is the Troposphere?

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The Troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to about 10 km. It contains most of the atmosphere's water vapor and is where weather occurs.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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What role do greenhouse gases play in the atmosphere?

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Greenhouse gases help heat the atmosphere by absorbing infrared radiation released by Earth, which keeps the planet warm.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

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What gas makes up 21% of Earth's atmosphere?

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Oxygen makes up 21% of Earth's atmosphere.

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What is the Exosphere?

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The Exosphere is the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from about 600 km to 10,000 km above the Earth. It is where the atmosphere thins out and merges with outer space.

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What is the Mesosphere?

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The Mesosphere is the layer of Earth's atmosphere located above the Stratosphere and below the Thermosphere, extending from about 50 km to 85 km. It is where most meteors burn up upon entering the atmosphere.

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What is the Thermosphere?

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The Thermosphere is the layer of Earth's atmosphere above the Mesosphere, extending from about 85 km to 600 km. It is characterized by high temperatures and is where the auroras occur.

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What is the primary component of Earth's atmosphere?

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The primary component of Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen, which makes up about 78% of the atmosphere.

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What is the importance of the ozone layer?

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The ozone layer, located within the Stratosphere, absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting living organisms on Earth.