("Structure of the Atmosphere")
Layer 1: The Troposphere
This is the lowest layer of the atmosphere. Almost all weather occurs here. It begins at the earth’s surface and extends anywhere from 4-12 miles (6-20 kilometers) high. This is the layer where we all live.
Layer 2: The Stratosphere
This layer holds about 19% of the earth’s gases, yet contains very little water vapor. The temperature in this layer increases with height--the warmer air above the cooler air. This layer extends from around 31 miles (50 kilometers) down to anywhere from 4 to 12 miles (6 to 20 kilometers) above the Earth's surface. This is the layer where planes fly.
Layer 3: The Mesosphere
In this layer, gases here are thick enough to decelerate meteors. They soon explode and leave fiery trails in the night sky. This layer extends from around 31-53 miles (50-85 kilometers) above the Earth's surface. The Stratosphere and the Mesosphere make up the "Middle Atmosphere."
Layer 4: The Thermosphere
Also known as: the "upper atmosphere," it is extremely thin and high in temperature. It extends from between about 53-375 miles (85-600 kilometers).
Layer 5: The Exosphere
This is where satellites orbit the Earth. It extends from the top of the thermosphere to 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers) above the earth.
This is the lowest layer of the atmosphere. Almost all weather occurs here. It begins at the earth’s surface and extends anywhere from 4-12 miles (6-20 kilometers) high. This is the layer where we all live.
Layer 2: The Stratosphere
This layer holds about 19% of the earth’s gases, yet contains very little water vapor. The temperature in this layer increases with height--the warmer air above the cooler air. This layer extends from around 31 miles (50 kilometers) down to anywhere from 4 to 12 miles (6 to 20 kilometers) above the Earth's surface. This is the layer where planes fly.
Layer 3: The Mesosphere
In this layer, gases here are thick enough to decelerate meteors. They soon explode and leave fiery trails in the night sky. This layer extends from around 31-53 miles (50-85 kilometers) above the Earth's surface. The Stratosphere and the Mesosphere make up the "Middle Atmosphere."
Layer 4: The Thermosphere
Also known as: the "upper atmosphere," it is extremely thin and high in temperature. It extends from between about 53-375 miles (85-600 kilometers).
Layer 5: The Exosphere
This is where satellites orbit the Earth. It extends from the top of the thermosphere to 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers) above the earth.
("Layers of the Atmosphere")