1. Layers of the Atmosphere

2. The Earth’s Atmosphere Definition- A thin layer of air that forms a protective covering around the planet Gases found in the atmosphere Nitrogen – 78% Oxygen – 21% 1% - trace amounts of other gases Solids found in the atmosphere dust salt pollen Liquids found in the atmosphere water up to 4% water vapor

3. Troposphere Closest layer to Earth’s surface - We live here! All weather occurs here 99% of all the water vapor is found here 75% of all atmospheric gases are found here The temperature decreases as you go up in altitude ( drops ~6.5 C foe every km) Gases close to Earth are heated by Earth’s surface & as you move farther away from the surface the air gets cooler

4. Stratosphere The ozone layer is found here Ozone is made up of 3 oxygen atoms Protects us from the Sun’s ultraviolet rays Planes and jets fly here because it is stable here Weather balloons found here The temperature increases as you go up in altitude because ozone layer absorbs Earth’s radiation

5. Mesosphere Scientists know least about this layer Meteors burn up in this layer because of friction with the air molecules (called “shooting stars” This is the coldest layer (b/c air molecule thin out with height so they don’t absorb as much radiiation) Temperatures decrease as you go up in altitude

6. Thermosphere Thickest layer Contains the ionosphere A layer of electrically charged particles Allows radio waves to travel aCuculutcuculclualdjflkad nsfcross the country Causes the Northern and Southern lights (auroras) Temperatures increase as you go up in altitude