1. Characteristics of the Atmosphere
A mixture of gases that surrounds a planet or moon
Air pressure
The measure of the force with which air molecules push on a surface

3. Air Pressure
Gravity pulls gas molecules in atmosphere toward Earth, causing air pressure
As altitude ↑, air pressure ↓

4. Layers of the Atmosphere
Based on temperature changes
Temperature changes b/c gases absorb solar energy differently

5. Thermosphere
Mesosphere
Stratosphere
Troposphere
Earth

6. Troposphere “turning, changing” layer Densest atmospheric layer
Almost all Earth’s H2O vapor, clouds, air pollution, weather, life-forms
As altitude ↑ the temperature ↓

7. Stratosphere “layer” Home of the ozone layer
As altitude ↑ temperature ↑ b/c ozone absorbs heat energy from sun, (therefore heating up the surrounding area)
Ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing UV light

8. Mesosphere
“middle”
Coldest layer
As altitude ↑ temperature ↓

9. Thermosphere “heat” As altitude ↑ temperature ↑ Ionosphere is here
(NORTHERN LIGHTS, AURORAS)
International Space Station orbits in this layer