Layers of the Atmosphere

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the basis for dividing the atmosphere into different layers?

• Temperature trends

• Pressure changes

• Humidity levels

• Wind speed

Multiple Choice

What are the characteristics of the troposphere?

• It is the thickest layer of the atmosphere and contains the ozone layer.

• It is closest to the earth, contains 75% of the mass of the atmosphere, is the thinnest layer, and weather occurs here.

• It is the hottest layer and contains most meteors.

• It is above the stratosphere and contains the aurora.

Open Ended

Explain how temperature changes as you move upward through the troposphere and into the tropopause.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are true about the stratosphere?

• It is above the troposphere.

• It contains the ozone layer.

• It is the hottest layer of the atmosphere.

• It protects earth’s surface from UV radiation.

Open Ended

Describe the main function of the ozone layer in the stratosphere and its effect on temperature.

Fill in the Blank

Fill in the blank: The temperature in the stratosphere increases until it levels off at the ___, around 50 km.

Fill in the Blank

Most meteors burn up in the ___ layer of the atmosphere.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best explains why the thermosphere feels cold despite its high temperature?

• The thermosphere has a lot of particles that absorb heat.

• The thermosphere is far from the Sun.

• There are so few particles in the thermosphere that heat transfer to you is minimal.

• The thermosphere is closer to space than other layers.

Fill in the Blank

The atmosphere is divided into layers based on ___ trends.

Open Ended

Reflecting on today's lesson, what questions do you still have about the layers of the atmosphere or their characteristics?

Multiple Choice

How is the atmosphere divided?

• By pressure changes

• By temperature trends

• By humidity levels

• By altitude alone