The Earth’s Atmosphere Aerospace

Describing the Atmosphere Atmosphere vs. Space Humans can live within the atmosphere Upper atmosphere no definitive boundary between one to the other Complex mixture of molecules and atoms Atmosphere Composition 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen 1% other gasses argon, neon, helium, methane, hydrogen

Atmospheric Layers Troposphere Tropopause The lowest region of the atmosphere. (where we live) Altitude ranges from 5-10 miles above sea level All clouds & weather conditions occur in this area. Temperature will go down with the increase in altitude 3.5 degrees (F) for every 1,000 feet gained in altitude Known as the standard lapse rate Tropopause Layer above the troposphere Serves as a boundary layer from the stratosphere Jet streams occur in this layer

Atmospheric Layers Stratosphere Mesosphere Altitude ranges from 19-22 miles above sea level Ozone layer is located in the middle of the stratosphere No atmospheric pressure at this level so pressurized cabins are needed Temperature increases slightly compared to the previous layers Mesosphere Altitude ranges from 22-50 miles above sea level Warmer temps at lower regions from UV protection Lower temps at higher regions

Atmospheric Layers Thermosphere Exosphere Known as the ionosphere Altitude ranges from 50-500 miles above sea level Has intense electrical activity Very high temps in this region 2000F+ Allows for radio transmission (reflects radio waves) ISS resides in this layer (220 miles) Exosphere Altitude ranges from 500-1000 miles above sea level Start blending into space

Atmospheric Pressure Earths gravitational influence is greatest at its core Sea level pressure is 14.7 lbs/sq.” Air Pressure decreases the further from the core you go Ex. 35,000 ft. = ¼ the pressure at sea level Are commercial airline cabins pressurized? Why? At very high altitudes pilots need to wear pressurized suits or cells could rupture

Beyond the Atmosphere Near Space Area from atmosphere to 10,000 miles Area where satellites and the ISS orbits Cislunar Space Area from Earth to moon 239,000 miles Translunar Area from moon to 1,000,000 miles from Earth Only probes have discovered this area Interstellar Space Distance from star to star in the same galaxy Intergalactic Space Distance from one galaxy to another

Review The Earths atmosphere is comprised mainly of what gas? What is the standard lapse rate? What layer has intense electrical activity and the temperate increases drastically? Why is it important to wear a pressurized suit at high altitudes? 78% Nitrogen 3.5 degrees (F) for every 1,000 feet Thermosphere Cells in the human body could rupture

Assignment Ch.11 Section A # 1-12