1. Layers of the Atmosphere

2. Layers
The four main layers are called the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, and the thermosphere
The four main layers are classified according to temperature

3. The Troposphere
The lowest layer of the Earth’s atmosphere (where we live)
Where the Earth’s weather occurs
0-12 km in the atmosphere
About 1 km = 6.5 Celsius degrees cooler
At the tops of the troposhere it is about -60 degrees Celcius (-76 ⁰F)

4. The Stratosphere 12-50 km in atmosphere
Upper stratosphere is warmer than lower stratosphere because it contains a layer of ozone
Ozone absorbs energy from sun and converts to heat

5. The Mesosphere 50-80 km in atmosphere
As altitude increase, temperature decreases (upper mesosphere is -90 ⁰C or -130⁰F)
This is where you see shooting stars (mesosphere protects Earth from being hit)
Little change to environment

6. The Thermosphere No define outer limit- runs into outer space
As altitude increases, temperature increases to 1800 degrees Celsius (3272 ⁰F)
Why is the thermosphere so hot?
Energy coming from sun strikes thermosphere first.
Little change to environment