Layers of the Earth's Atmosphere

Meteorologist Kylie Miller explains the five major layers of Earth's atmosphere: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. Each layer has unique characteristics, such as weather phenomena in the troposphere, the ozone layer in the stratosphere, meteor burning in the mesosphere, the International Space Station orbiting in the thermosphere, and satellites in the exosphere.

What might you see flying in the sky besides birds and planes?

• Kites

• Superman

• Drones

• Hot air balloons

How many major layers are there in the Earth's atmosphere?

• Three

• Four

• Six

• Five

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

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Exosphere

• Troposphere

Where do most weather phenomena occur?

• Troposphere

• Thermosphere

• Mesosphere

• Stratosphere

Which type of cloud can have overshooting tops into the stratosphere?

• Cumulonimbus

• Altocumulus

• Cirrus

• Stratus

What is the stratosphere commonly known for?

• Meteor burning

• Satellite orbits

• The coldest temperatures

• The ozone layer

In which layer do most meteors burn up?

• Thermosphere

• Mesosphere

• Stratosphere

• Troposphere

Where does the International Space Station orbit?

• Thermosphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Exosphere

Which atmospheric layer is known for the Northern Lights?

• Mesosphere

• Stratosphere

• Thermosphere

• Troposphere

Where do most satellites orbit?

• Troposphere

• Exosphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere