1. Layers of the Atmosphere

2. Layers of the Atmosphere
Divided into four main layers according to difference in temperature structure.
Layers are introduced from lowest to highest altitude

3. 1. The Troposphere Layer closest to earth’s surface
extends to about 10 km (6 mi)
All weather changes occur here
Temperature decreases as altitude increases

4. 1. The Troposphere
The upper boundary is called the tropopause

5. 2. The Stratosphere Extends from 10 km to 50 km (31 mi)
temperature increases as altitude increases
Ozone layer is here
jet planes fly here

6. 2. The Stratosphere
Horizontal winds are very strong; up to 200 mph (JET STREAM)
upper layer = stratopause

7. 3. The Mesosphere Extends from 50 km to 80 km (50 mi)
Temperature decreases as altitude increases
coldest layer (-100o celsius)
upper boundary = mesopause
Keeps the ozone in the Stratosphere.

8. 4. The Thermosphere Extends from 80 km up to space
Temperature increases as altitude increases
The air is very thin

9. 4. The Thermosphere Two regions: lower region = ionosphere
extends from 80 km to 550 km
captures and transfers radio waves

10. 4. The Thermosphere Two regions: upper region = exosphere
extends from 550 km to space
The Zone of indefinite altitude