1. Atmosphere

2. Atmosphere
The Earths atmosphere is divided into four different layers.
1. Troposphere – Where weather forms
2. Stratosphere – Where the protective ozone layer floats
3. Mesosphere – Where shooting stars blaze
4. Thermosphere – Where temperatures rise

3. Note: The Troposphere begins at sea level on the Earths surface

4. Lower Atmosphere Troposphere Sea level – 10 miles above Earths surface
Where weather forms
Commercial airliners fly here
Contains Mountains and Mountain ranges
Storms take place here
Contains about 75% of the atmosphere
Extends from the Earths surface at the North and South poles and at the Equator

5. Middle Atmosphere Stratosphere 10-31 miles above the Earths surface
Where the protective ozone layer floats
High up clouds such as Cirrus clouds are here. Have a wispy appearance.
Jet streams are also here.
Contains 20% of the molecules in the atmosphere and gets warmer as you go away from Earth
Cirrus clouds
Jet Stream

6. Middle Atmosphere Mesosphere 31-50 miles above Earths surface
Meteors (shooting stars) are seen here
Space debris begins to burn up as it enters the mesosphere
Temperature drops as you leave Earth dipping to as low as -90C (-130 F) at the top layer

7. Upper Atmosphere Thermosphere This is the lower boundary of space
miles above Earths surface
This is the lower boundary of space
Temperatures rise here
Air is thin, but absorbs a lot of solar radiation
Temperatures can reach up to 230 C (440 F)
The Northern and Southern lights are created here due to charged particles in the magnetosphere being affected by Earths magnetic field.