Layers of the Atmosphere and the Water Cycle

Front

What is the composition of the atmosphere?

Back

The atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and trace amounts of other gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Front

What is the troposphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the stratosphere?

Back

The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, located above the troposphere, and contains the ozone layer which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation.

Front

What is the mesosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the thermosphere?

Back

The thermosphere is the fourth layer of the atmosphere, characterized by high temperatures and the presence of ionized gases, where the auroras occur.

Front

What is the exosphere?

Back

The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, where the atmosphere thins out into space and satellites orbit the Earth.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water evaporates from the Earth's surface, condenses in the atmosphere, and precipitates back to the surface.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.