Layers of the Earth's atmosphere

• atmosphere - the blanket or envelope of gases surrounding the earth
• the earth's atmosphere is made up of "78% nitrogen"
• the second most gases is composed "21% oxygen"
• 1% trace gases - the remaining percent are other gases present in smaller amounts hence they are called trace gases, include carbon dioxide (CO2), inert gases, hydrogen, methane, ozone and ETC
• troposphere

  -the lower most layer of the earths atmosphere and it is the layer where we live

  -the temperature in this region decreases as altitude increases

  -makes up approximately 75% of the total mass of the atmosphere and contains 99% of the atmosphere's water

  -the layer where wind, clouds and water vapor found, it is weather phenomena takes place
• 1% trace gases - the remaining percent are other gases present in smaller amounts hence they are called trace gases, include carbon dioxide (CO2), inert gases, hydrogen, methane, ozone and ETC
• stratosphere

  -second layer of the earth's atmosphere and the temperature in this layer increases with altitude

  -the ozone layer is found in the stratosphere (it protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays coming from the sun)

  -the flow of air in this layer is more stable than the flow of air in the troposhere

  -you can fly aircrafts smoothly in this layer
• mesosphere

  -third highest layer of the earth's atmosphere

  -the temperature in this layer decreases (cold) with altitude

  -coldest layer of the atmosphere surrounding the earth

  -burns up most meteors and asteroids before they reach the earth's surface
• thermosphere

  -above the mesosphere and it is the fourth highest layer of earth's

  atmosphere

  -comparatively closer to the sun and it absorbs a large amount of "solar radiation"

  -the temperature in this layer increases (warmer) tremendously as the distance from the earth becomes greater

  -orbiting around this layer is the international space station, space shuttles also fly in this area
• ionosphere - is found within the thermosphere, aurora displays can be seen in this ionosphere
• aurora/northern light - are bands of light with different colors they are called "aurora borealis" in the north and "aurora australis" in the south
• exosphere

  -outer layers of earth's atmosphere

  -the temperature in this region varies from very hot to very cold

  -is perfect for placing artificial satellites as there is little friction, they can orbit easily without being disrupted