Lowest atmospheric layer, where weather occurs, extends 4-10 miles from Earth's surface, temperature decreases with increase in altitude
Stratosphere
Second lowest layer, temperature rises with increase in altitude, contains ozone layer that absorbs harmful UV rays, where planes fly, extends 30-35 miles above Earth's surface
Mesosphere
Layer where most meteors burn upon entry, stretches up to 50 miles from Earth's surface
Thermosphere
Layer with very thin air and extremely hot temperatures, extends up to 400 miles from Earth's surface
Ionosphere
Part of the thermosphere where many atoms are ionized and there is electrical charge
Exosphere
Outermost layer, very thin air, extends up to 6200 miles from Earth's surface
The troposphere contains more than 75 percent of the atmosphere's mass
The ions in the ionosphere help to transmit radio waves
