1. The Atmosphere

2. Definition
The thin layer of air that forms a protective covering around the planet.
The atmosphere is made up of Gases
78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen
0.93% Argon
0.01% Other gases

3. Layers

4. Troposphere This is where all plants and animals live and breathe
Where weather takes place
Air is mixed and contains 99% water vapor
Temperature decreases with altitude

5. Ozone Layer About 19 km to 48 km above your head.
Pale blue gas with a strong odor.
90% of all ozone is found in the stratosphere
10% is found in the troposphere

6. Ozone Layer
Ozone is extremely important because it is the only gas that absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun and protects the surface of the Earth and people from the damaging effects of UV rays.
Ultraviolent Radiation- is one of the many types of energy that come to Earth from the Sun.
CFC’s (Chlorofluorocarbons)- Group of chemical compounds used in refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosol sprays etc. that destroy the ozone layer.

7. Stratosphere Layer directly above the troposphere.
Extends about 10 km above Earth’s surface to about 50 km.
Ozone in this layer stops many of the sun's harmful rays from reaching the earth
People can not breathe in this layer.
Temperature increases with altitude.

8. Mesosphere On top of the stratosphere
Temperature decreases with altitude
50 km to 85 km in altitude
This is where we see "falling stars" – meteors burning up as they fall to Earth

9. Thermosphere
Layer of the atmosphere which is first exposed to the Sun's radiation and so is first heated by the Sun.
Has high temperatures
km (thickest layer)
The air is very thin
The temperature dependent on solar activity.

10. Ionosphere
An extension or a part of the thermosphere. So technically, the ionosphere is not another atmospheric layer.
Free electrons and ions tend to recombine
Allows radio waves to travel across the country

12. Exosphere
Highest layer of the atmosphere. The air is very thin here (Within the Thermosphere)
Atoms and molecules escape into space
Satellites orbit here