Layers of the Atmosphere Notes Flip Book

Troposphere The troposphere is the layer closes to Earth. It is where weather occurs. Mount Everest reaches about halfway through this layer at 9,000 meters (29,000 feet)

Stratosphere The stratosphere contains the ozone which is a type of oxygen molecule that absorbs energy from the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Commercial jets fly in the lower levels of this layer because it is very stable.

Mesosphere The mesosphere is the coldest layer of the atmosphere reaching -90C or -130F. Most meteors burn up in this layer. A type of lightning called sprites sometimes occurs in this layer.

Thermosphere The thermosphere is the hottest layer of the atmosphere. Space shuttles and the International Space Station orbit in the middle to upper part of this layer. This is also where the Aurora Borealis occurs.

Exosphere In the exosphere the atmosphere becomes very thin. The upper level turns into true space.