Layers of the Atmosphere

Exosphere: Thermosphere: Mesosphere the layer farthest from the earth’s surface. Pressure and density are SO LOW that gas molecules rarely strike each other! ** THINK… exoskeleton… on the OUTSIDE of the animal… exosphere….on the OUTSIDE of the atmosphere** Thermosphere: Even though these layers are broader than the troposphere and stratosphere, only 1% of the atmosphere’s gases are found here. Meteors burn up in the Thermosphere, This layer is the HOTTEST layer! Mesosphere The Mesosphere is the COLDEST layer. It is where the ionosphere is located!! This layer destroys objects that enter the atmosphere, that the thermosphere had started.

The ionosphere contains ions (electrically charged atoms) These ions reflect AM radio waves sent from Earth’s surface. The reflection is stronger at night, when the ions recombine. ALSO… it is in the ionosphere that ions from the sun strike air molecules, causing them to emit vivid colors…. These amazing displays of color are called….

Auroras

Stratosphere: Troposphere: Directly above the troposphere. The lower half of this layer contains the MOST amount of ozone gas. The ozone layer absorbs UV rays from the sun…much better than Oxygen does… and protects the earth from the damaging effects of the ultra violet rays. Troposphere: This layer is CLOSEST to the earth’s surface. We live our everyday lives here… The temperature decreases, the farther you get from Earth’s surface. The warmest part of this layer is closest to the surface... This heat is radiated from the sun, to the troposphere and causes WEATHER.