Layers of the Atmosphere Quiz

Layers of the Atmosphere

• Earth's atmosphere is divided into four main layers: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, and Thermosphere.

Troposphere

• Closest layer to Earth's surface, extending up to approximately 8 to 15 kilometers high.
• Contains the majority of the atmosphere's mass and is where most weather occurs.
• Temperature decreases with altitude, leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation.

Stratosphere

• Located above the Troposphere, reaching heights of about 50 kilometers.
• Home to the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful UV radiation from the sun.
• Temperature increases with altitude due to the absorption of radiation by the ozone.

Mesosphere

• Extends from about 50 kilometers to 85 kilometers above the Earth.
• This layer is where temperatures again decrease with altitude, reaching the coldest temperatures in the atmosphere.
• Meteors burn up in this layer, creating meteor showers.

Thermosphere

• Ranges from approximately 85 kilometers to 600 kilometers above the Earth.
• Characterized by a significant increase in temperature with altitude, due to solar activity.
• Contains the ionosphere, which is important for radio communication and the reflection of radio waves.

Exosphere

• The outermost layer of the atmosphere, starting around 600 kilometers above the Earth.
• Composed mainly of extremely thin air; atoms and molecules can escape into space.
• Contains satellites and is where the atmosphere transitions into outer space.