1. Layers of the Atmosphere
Section 1-4

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

3. Layers of the Atmosphere
b. Earth’s atmosphere is divided into several different atmospheric layers extending from Earth’s surface outward.

4. Layers of the Atmosphere
c. The troposphere is where all the weather occurs.
1. It is the closest layer to
Earth’s surface.
2. It is the layer we live in.

5. Layers of the Atmosphere
d. The stratosphere is located directly above the troposphere.
1.This is where the ozone layer is.

6. Layers of the Atmosphere
e. The next layer up is the mesosphere, followed by the thermosphere, and then the exosphere.

7. Layers of the Atmosphere
Space
Exosphere
Thermosphere
Mesosphere
Stratosphere (Ozone Layer)
Troposphere (Weather, Life)
Earth’s Surface

8. 2. Atmospheric Gases a. Ozone 1. Ozone is a form of oxygen
2. It is only found in the stratosphere

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

10. 3. Atmospheric Temperatures
a. Differences in temperature are what
separate each layer in the atmosphere
from the one above and/or below it.

11. Atmospheric Temperatures
1. In the troposphere:
As altitude increases, temperature decreases
Altitude Temperature

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

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

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

17. Atmospheric Temperatures
Altitude Temperature
5. Beyond the thermosphere is the exosphere which leads into outer space where it is very cold, because there is little to no atmosphere to absorb the Sun’s heat energy.

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

19. 4. Atmospheric Pressure
a. Air pressure is the force exerted by the gases pushing on an object.
b. Air pressure is greatest near the surface of the Earth in the troposphere.
Altitude Air Pressure