1. Aim: How do we differentiate between the layers of the atmosphere?
The Atmosphere Notes
Aim: How do we differentiate between the layers of the atmosphere?

2. ESRT Page 14

3. 1. Troposphere
Lowest region of the atmosphere characterized by decreasing temperature with increasing altitude
Pause- a boundary (interface) between layers in the atmosphere
The only layer of the atmosphere that contains water vapor.
Only layer to have clouds and weather
Intro to the Atmosphere

4. 2. Stratosphere
In between troposphere and the mesosphere, where temperature increases with altitude
Temperature Inversion- increase in temperature with height in an atmospheric layer
Planes fly in the lower section of the stratosphere
Zone in which greenhouse gases get trapped

5. A. Ozone Layer
Ozone Layer- a region within the Stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s UV radiation.

6. 3. Mesosphere
As altitude increases the temperature decreases. The top of the mesosphere is the coldest part of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Not much is known about this layer because it is very difficult to study, but what we do know is that most meteors burn up in this layer.

7. 4. Thermosphere
Outermost shell of the atmosphere. This is where temperature increases steadily with altitude.
Auroras occur here due to the collision of charged particles. How does an Aurora form?
This is the zone where the space shuttle and International space station both orbit the Earth.

8. What’s the relationship between pressure/Water Vapor and altitude
As the altitude increases both the atmospheric pressure and water vapor content decrease.
Weather can only occur in the troposphere and lower level of the stratosphere because that is where there is water vapor.