Layers of the atmosphere

We live in the (a)   layer of the atmosphere.

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Troposphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

We live in the Troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the atmosphere. It contains most of the Earth's weather and is where we experience clouds, rain, and other weather phenomena.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the main component of the troposphere?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Argon

• Carbon dioxide

Answer explanation

The troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, is primarily composed of nitrogen, which makes up about 78% of the air. Oxygen follows at around 21%, while argon and carbon dioxide are present in much smaller amounts.

Match the following scenarios with the temperature changes in the troposphere.

• As you ascend higher in the troposphere

• It stays the same

• As you descend into the stratosphere

• It fluctuates

• At the boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere

• It increases

• During sudden weather changes

• It decreases

Answer explanation

As you go higher in the troposphere, the temperature decreases. This is due to the decrease in air pressure and density, which leads to lower temperatures at higher altitudes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which layer contains the ozone layer that protects us from UV rays?

• Troposphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

• Stratosphere

Answer explanation

The ozone layer, which protects us from harmful UV rays, is located in the stratosphere. This layer sits above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, making the stratosphere the correct answer.

Match the following layers with their characteristics.

• Layer where weather phenomena occur

• Thermosphere

• Layer with auroras and high temperatures

• Exosphere

• Layer known for burning up meteors and space debris

• Mesosphere

• Layer where satellites orbit

• Troposphere

Answer explanation

The mesosphere is the layer of Earth's atmosphere where most meteors burn up upon entering, due to its altitude and temperature conditions. This makes it the correct answer for the layer known for burning up meteors and space debris.

Which layer is the hottest and contains the ionosphere?

• Mesosphere

• Exosphere

• Thermosphere

• Stratosphere

Answer explanation

The thermosphere is the hottest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, reaching temperatures up to 2,500°C. It contains the ionosphere, which is crucial for radio communication and reflects radio waves.

Which layer of the atmosphere is the outermost layer where satellites orbit?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Exosphere

• Mesosphere

Answer explanation

The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, where satellites orbit. It extends from the thermosphere and gradually fades into space, making it the correct answer.

The layer of the atmosphere that contains the ozone layer, which absorbs UV rays, is the (a)   .

• Stratosphere

• Thermosphere

• Mesosphere

• Exosphere

Answer explanation

The stratosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that contains the ozone layer, which plays a crucial role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, protecting life on Earth.

In which layer of the atmosphere does weather occur?

• Thermosphere

• Troposphere

• Mesosphere

• Exosphere

Answer explanation

Weather occurs in the troposphere, the lowest layer of the atmosphere, where clouds form and precipitation happens. The other layers, like the thermosphere and exosphere, are too high for weather phenomena.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

The (a)   is the hottest layer of the atmosphere and contains the ionosphere.

• Mesosphere

• Stratosphere

• Thermosphere

• Troposphere

Answer explanation

The thermosphere is the hottest layer of the atmosphere, reaching temperatures up to 2,500°C. It contains the ionosphere, which is crucial for radio communication and reflects radio waves back to Earth.