1. Do Now
Put the layers of the atmosphere in order: (stratosphere, thermosphere, troposphere, mesosphere).
In which layer do we live?
In which layer is the ozone layer found?
Which layer is in the middle (how can we remember this?)
What happens to air pressure the higher you go up?

2. Layers of the Atmosphere
Compare the composition and structure of Earth’s atmospheric layers (including the gases and differences in temperature and pressure within the layers).

3. Layers of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds the planet and makes conditions on Earth suitable for living things.

4. 1. Troposphere The troposphere is where all the weather occurs.
It is the closest layer to Earth’s surface.
It is the layer we live in.
Higher altitude = colder temps.

5. 2. Stratosphere
The stratosphere is located directly above the troposphere.
This is where the ozone layer is.
Ozone is 3
oxygen molecules
(formula = O3)
Higher altitude =
hotter temps.

6. 3. Mesosphere
The mesosphere is located directly above the stratosphere.
This is where meteors and comets are destroyed.
COLDEST LAYER (higher altitude =
colder temps.)

7. 4. Thermosphere Hottest layer of the atmosphere!
Where the Northern Lights are located.

8. Atmospheric Gases Nitrogen & Oxygen
These are the two most common gases found in the atmosphere.
They can be found throughout all the layers.
Nitrogen: 78%
Oxygen: 21%
Other: 1%

9. Atmospheric Gases Ozone Ozone is a form of oxygen
It is only found in the stratosphere
Ozone is a gas formed by the addition of a third oxygen atom to an oxygen molecule. It is important in the upper atmosphere because it absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Without an ozone layer, our skin could not tolerate exposure to the Sun.

10. Atmospheric Gases Water Vapor & Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
These are important gases for weather conditions.
They are found in the troposphere where weather occurs.

11. Atmospheric Temperatures
Differences in temperature are what separate each layer in the atmosphere from the one above and/or below it.
Example: the troposphere is a different temperature than the stratosphere

12. Atmospheric Temperatures
Temperature Altitude
Outer Space
Exosphere
Thermosphere
Mesosphere
Stratosphere
Troposphere
Earth’s Surface

13. Atmospheric Pressure
Air pressure is how much force gases place on an object
Air pressure is greatest near the surface of the Earth in the troposphere because of gravity
Altitude Air Pressure

14. Pause What is the Tropopause? What is the Stratopause?
The upper limit of the troposphere
What is the Stratopause?
The upper limit of the stratosphere
What is the Mesopause?
What is the Thermopause?

15. Atmospheric Temperatures
In the troposphere:
As altitude increases, temperature decreases
*** remember, increase means go UP, and decrease means go DOWN!
Temperature Altitude

16. Atmospheric Temperatures
In the stratosphere:
The stratosphere is cold except in its upper region where ozone is located.
Temperature Altitude
Ozone Layer

17. Atmospheric Temperatures
In the Mesosphere:
This is the COLDEST layer in the atmosphere.
Temperature Altitude

18. Atmospheric Temperatures
In the thermosphere:
Even though the air is thin in the thermosphere, it is very HOT.
Temperature Altitude

19. 2 Activity Choices (CHOOSE 1)
Write a “Thank you” note to the layers of the atmosphere thanking each layer for what it does for us
Thank each layer for what they do for us (lets us breathe, protects us from skin cancer, burns up comets, gives us light shows, etc.)
1 full page long – BE CREATIVE
Create a 15 question practice quiz and answer key to help a classmate study