Structure and Composition of Earth's Atmosphere

The atmosphere is the boundary between Earth and outer space. What is the atmosphere?

• The layer of gases that surrounds Earth.

• The layer above Earth that contains ozone.

• The layer above Earth in which weather happens.

• The layer above Earth that is responsible for gravity.

Ginny enjoys mountain climbing. Today, she is climbing Mt. Fresca, which is the tallest mountain she’s ever climbed. When Ginny makes it to the top, she notices that it is more difficult to catch her breath. At higher elevations, why is it harder for Ginny to breathe?

• At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower.

• At higher altitudes, the air is too cold.

• At higher altitudes, the air contains too much nitrogen.

• At higher altitudes, the air contains too much carbon dioxide.

Earth scientists have identified four distinct layers of the atmosphere. Which of the following defines the layers of the atmosphere?

• Their density

• Their altitude

• Their temperature

• Their air pressure

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The atmosphere is divided into four layers, the mesosphere, troposphere, thermosphere, and stratosphere. Each layer has unique physical properties. Which of the following is true of the stratosphere?

• Weather happens in the stratosphere.

• There are no winds in the stratosphere.

• The stratosphere is below the troposphere.

• The stratosphere is warmer at the top than at the bottom.

The following diagram shows the four layers of the atmosphere. Which layer is responsible for shielding Earth from ultraviolet radiation?

• Layer 1

• Layer 2

• Layer 3

• Layer 4

The gases that make up Earth’s atmosphere are commonly referred to as air. Air consists of major gases and trace gases. What is air?

• A mixture

• A molecule

• An element

• A compound

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Earth scientists have identified four distinct layers of the atmosphere. What is the correct order of these layers from lowest to highest in the atmosphere?

• Stratosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere

• Thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere

• Troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, stratosphere

• Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere

The following diagram shows the four layers of the atmosphere. In which layer does most weather happen?

• Layer 1

• Layer 2

• Layer 3

• Layer 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Carbon dioxide is a trace gas in Earth’s atmosphere. Although present in only small amounts, carbon dioxide has an influence of Earth’s atmosphere. Which of the following describes the influence of carbon dioxide?

• Carbon dioxide influences the mass of the atmosphere.

• Carbon dioxide influences the height of the atmosphere.

• Carbon dioxide influences the heating of the atmosphere.

• Carbon dioxide influences the density of the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Cloudy nights are often warmer than clear nights. Why is this so?

• The clouds generate wind.

• The clouds trap heat energy during the daylight hours.

• The clouds store and release heat from the inner Earth.

• The clouds release heat generated by the friction of air molecules.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5