Based on changes in temperature with altitude, Earth's atmosphere is divided into five distinct layers.
Layers of the Atmosphere
The five layers, in order from the Earth's surface outwards, are:
- Troposphere: This is the layer closest to the Earth's surface, extending up to approximately 12 kilometers. It's where most of the weather occurs.
- Stratosphere: Located above the troposphere, it extends from about 12 km to 50 km. This layer contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
- Mesosphere: This layer lies between approximately 50 km and 80 km. It's the layer where most meteors burn up.
- Thermosphere: Stretching from approximately 80 km to 700 km, this layer is characterized by very high temperatures.
- Exosphere: The outermost layer of the atmosphere, it starts at around 700 km and extends up to 10,000 km. This is where the atmosphere merges into space.
The boundaries between these layers are not always fixed; they can vary slightly based on several factors.
Layer Details Table
| Layer | Altitude (km) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Troposphere | 0 - 12 | Weather occurs; densest layer. |
| Stratosphere | 12 - 50 | Contains the ozone layer. |
| Mesosphere | 50 - 80 | Meteors burn up here; temperatures decrease with altitude. |
| Thermosphere | 80 - 700 | High temperatures; aurora borealis and australis appear. |
| Exosphere | 700 - 10,000 | Outermost layer; merges into space. |
The division of the atmosphere into these layers helps us understand the different processes that occur at various altitudes and how they impact our planet.
