Earth's Atmospheric Layers quiz

Which gas makes up the largest percentage of Earth's atmosphere?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon dioxide

• Argon

What is the second most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere?

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

• Carbon dioxide

• Helium

Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to Earth's surface?

• Stratosphere

• Troposphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

What happens to air pressure as altitude increases in the atmosphere?

• It increases

• It decreases

• It stays the same

• It fluctuates randomly

Which atmospheric layer contains the ozone layer?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Exosphere

Which of the following best describes the composition of Earth's atmosphere?

• Pure oxygen

• A mixture of gases

• Only nitrogen

• Only carbon dioxide

Which layer of the atmosphere experiences the highest temperatures?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Thermosphere

• Mesosphere

Why does temperature decrease as you go higher in the troposphere?

• There is more sunlight

• The air is thinner and holds less heat

• The ozone layer is present

• There is more water vapor

Compare the air pressure at sea level to the air pressure at the top of a mountain. Which is higher and why?

• Sea level, because there is more air above pressing down

• Mountain top, because it is closer to the sun

• Both are the same, because air pressure does not change

• Mountain top, because the air is denser

Explain why the stratosphere is warmer at higher altitudes compared to the lower part of the layer.

• The sun heats the ground, which warms the air

• The ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet radiation, warming the upper stratosphere

• There is more water vapor at higher altitudes

• The air is denser at higher altitudes