Our+Atmosphere

The Layers of Our Atmosphere

The atmosphere is composed of four layers: the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, and the thermosphere. Troposphere The troposphere is the layer that holds most of our weather. In the troposphere, as altitude increases, temperature decreases. The area between the troposphere and the stratosphere is caled the tropopause

Stratosphere The stratosphere is the layer that holds ozone, which absorbs the ultraviolet rays of the Sun. In the stratosphere, as altitude increases, temperature increases. The area between the stratosphere and the mesosphere is called the tropopause.

Mesosphere The mesosphere is the layer that burns up space objects, such as asteroids, before they reach Earth. In the mesosphere, as altitude increases, temperature decreases. The area between the mesosphere and the thermosphere is called the mesopause.

Ionosphere The ionosphere is found halfway through the mesosphere. We use the ionosphere to bounce off radio waves.

Thermosphere The thermosphere is the layer that protects us from the ultraviolet rays of the Sun. In the thermosphere, as altitude increases, temperature increases. The area at he top of the thermosphere is called the thermopause.

Homosphere The homosphere contains the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere. Throughout the homosphere, the same blend of gases are found. These are: - 78% nitrogen - 21% oxygen - almost 1% argon - 0.03% carbon dioxide

Heterosphere The heterosphere contains the thermosphere. It contains a different blend of gases than the thermosphere.