The Four Layers of the Atmosphere Flashcards

What is the first layer of the Earth's atmosphere?

What is the temperature like as you go higher in the troposphere?

How high does the stratosphere reach?

The ozone layer is located in the troposphere.

The mesosphere begins at 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface and ends at _____ kilometers.

The mesosphere is the hottest layer of the atmosphere.

What happens to the air in the thermosphere?

What is a significant temperature in the thermosphere?

Layers of the Atmosphere

Troposphere
- First layer of the Earth's atmosphere.
- Extends from sea level up to 0-12 kilometers.
- Temperature decreases with altitude, becoming colder at higher elevations.
Stratosphere
- Second layer of the atmosphere, reaching up to 50 kilometers.
- Contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and protects against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
- The temperature increases with altitude due to ozone absorption of sunlight.
Mesosphere
- Third layer, extending from 50 kilometers to 80 kilometers above Earth's surface.
- Known as the coldest layer, with temperatures dropping to around negative 90 Celsius.
- Temperature decreases with altitude, making it increasingly frigid.
Thermosphere
- Uppermost layer of the atmosphere, starting at 80 kilometers and extending into space without a defined limit.
- Characterized by very thin air and extremely high temperatures, reaching up to 1,800 Celsius.
- Solar radiation first strikes this layer, significantly heating it.

Test your knowledge about the four main layers of the Earth's atmosphere with these flashcards. This quiz covers the troposphere and stratosphere and their characteristics. Perfect for students learning about atmospheric science.