Can you explain the structure and composition of the atmosphere?
Understand the Problem
The question is likely asking about the structure and composition of the atmosphere based on the provided textbook excerpt, which discusses its layers and gaseous components.
Answer
Earth's atmosphere consists of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases arranged in five distinct layers.
The atmosphere is primarily composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and less than 1% of other gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, methane, krypton, hydrogen, xenon, and ozone. It is divided into layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, each with unique characteristics.
Answer for screen readers
The atmosphere is primarily composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and less than 1% of other gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, methane, krypton, hydrogen, xenon, and ozone. It is divided into layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, each with unique characteristics.
More Information
Among the trace gases, argon is the most abundant, followed by carbon dioxide and small amounts of other gases. The composition is not static and can vary slightly with altitude and local geological activity.
Tips
Students often forget the trace components; remember to include even the minor constituents in the total composition.
Sources
- The National Geographic article on Atmosphere - nationalgeographic.org
- Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere – Environmental Biology - pressbooks.umn.edu
- The Atmosphere by NOAA - noaa.gov
