Questions and Answers
The four main layers of the atmosphere are classified according to ______________.
Changes in temperature
What is the troposphere?
The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs.
What is the stratosphere?
The second-lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere.
What is the mesosphere?
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What is the thermosphere?
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What is the ionosphere?
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What is the exosphere?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is the lowest?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is the outermost layer of the thermosphere?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is above the troposphere?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is above the stratosphere?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is 0-12 km above sea level?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is 12-50 km above sea level?
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Which layer of the atmosphere does weather occur in?
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Which layer of the atmosphere do most meteoroids burn up in?
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Which layer of the atmosphere do we live in?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is the lower part cold (-60°C)?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is 50-80 km above sea level?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is 80 km above Earth's surface into outer space?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is the outermost part the coldest layer (-90°C)?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is the hottest level (1800°C)?
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Which layer of the atmosphere does the upper part contain Ozone (O3)?
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In which layer of the atmosphere do radio waves bounce off of ions?
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Which layer of the atmosphere is divided up into two layers?
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The air is very thin in which layer of the atmosphere?
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Which layer of the atmosphere does the Aurora Borealis occur in?
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Which layer of the atmosphere contains ions?
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Which layer of the atmosphere extends into outer space?
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Which layer of the atmosphere do satellites orbit for phones and TVs?
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Study Notes
Layers of the Atmosphere
- The atmosphere has four main layers classified by temperature changes.
- The troposphere is the lowest layer where all weather phenomena occur, ranging from 0-12 km above sea level.
- The stratosphere lies above the troposphere, 12-50 km above sea level, and contains the ozone layer that absorbs UV radiation, with temperatures reaching around -60°C.
- The mesosphere is located between 50-80 km above sea level, where most meteoroids burn up, and is considered the coldest layer with temperatures dropping to -90°C.
- The thermosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, starting at about 80 km up to several hundred kilometers into space, experiencing extremely high temperatures that can reach 1800°C.
Special Features of the Atmosphere
- The ionosphere is a part of the thermosphere containing charged particles (ions), facilitating radio wave transmission by reflecting them.
- The exosphere is the final layer of the atmosphere, extending from the thermosphere into outer space, where satellites orbit for communications and data transmission.
- The aurora borealis occurs in the ionosphere, caused by interactions between solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field.
Key Measurements and Temperatures
- Troposphere: 0-12 km, weather events, we live here.
- Stratosphere: 12-50 km, contains ozone, lower part at -60°C.
- Mesosphere: 50-80 km, meteoroids burn up, coldest layer at -90°C.
- Thermosphere: 80 km and above, hottest layer at 1800°C, very thin air.
Quick Facts
- Ionosphere: Responsible for radio wave reflection.
- Exosphere: Extends into space, satellite orbits, air is thin here.
- Most meteoroids disintegrate in the mesosphere.
- The troposphere is critical for weather patterns and contains the air we breathe.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the four main layers of the atmosphere, including their characteristics, temperatures, and functions. This quiz covers the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. Understand how each layer interacts with weather phenomena and protects the Earth.