Layers of the Atmosphere

Front

What is the troposphere?

Back

The lowest layer of the atmosphere, where weather occurs and where we live. It extends from the Earth's surface up to about 10 km.

Front

What is the stratosphere?

Back

The second layer of the atmosphere, located above the troposphere, extending from about 10 km to 50 km. It contains the ozone layer.

Front

What is the mesosphere?

Back

The third layer of the atmosphere, extending from about 50 km to 85 km. It is where temperatures are the coldest.

Front

What is the thermosphere?

Back

The fourth layer of the atmosphere, extending from about 85 km to 600 km. It contains the Karman line and is where the auroras occur.

Front

What is the exosphere?

Back

The outermost layer of the atmosphere, starting around 600 km above the Earth. It gradually fades into outer space.

Front

What is the ozone layer?

Back

A region of the stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules, which absorb most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Front

What is the Karman line?

Back

An internationally recognized boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space, located at an altitude of 100 km.

Front

What role does the mesosphere play in protecting Earth?

Back

It burns up incoming meteors, preventing them from reaching the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the approximate altitude where the troposphere ends?

Back

The troposphere ends at approximately 10 km above the Earth's surface.

Front

What happens to temperature as you move up through the troposphere?

Back

Temperature decreases with altitude in the troposphere.