1. What variables are displayed in this data presentation? DATE: Friday, April 27, 2012 SWBAT: describe the composition and layers of Earth’s atmosphere HOMEWORK: none CATALYST: April 16-April 27 1. What variables are displayed in this data presentation? 2. What category would you be in if you had a temperature of -40C and an altitude of 55 km? 3. What happens to temperature as height increases in the mesosphere? Temperature, Height, Atmospheric Layer Mesosphere Temperature decreases
What is the Atmosphere? =layer of gases that surrounds Earth (air) consists of a mixture of chemical elements and compounds protects Earth’s surface from the Sun’s radiation helps regulate the temperature of Earth’s surface
Flash Back!!! What force keeps the air molecules surrounding our planet? GRAVITY
What’s in Earth’s Atmosphere? Most common elements: Nitrogen (N2) – 78% Oxygen (O2) – 21% Argon (Ar) (0.9%) Most common compounds: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Water Vapor (H2O) Also contains various kinds of tiny soil particles, such as dust and pollen.
What are the Layers of Earth’s Atmosphere? Troposphere: 0-12 km Stratosphere: 12 km-50 km Mesosphere: 50 km-80 km Thermosphere: 80 km-~500 km Exosphere: ~500 km-1,000s km
Read pages 552-553 in your textbook to take notes on the five different layers. Specifically look to describe the characteristics of each layer.