The blanket of air surrounding Earth is called the atmosphere.
What is the Atmosphere?
The atmosphere is a vital layer of gases that envelops our planet. It's a complex mixture primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, but also includes trace amounts of other gases like argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. This "blanket of air" plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth.
Key Functions of the Atmosphere:
- Protection from harmful radiation: The ozone layer within the stratosphere absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Regulation of temperature: The atmosphere helps regulate Earth's temperature, preventing extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. This is achieved through the greenhouse effect, where certain gases trap heat.
- Weather patterns: The atmosphere is the driving force behind weather patterns, including wind, rain, snow, and storms.
- Respiration: The atmosphere provides the oxygen necessary for respiration in most living organisms.
Layers of the Atmosphere:
The atmosphere isn't uniform; it's divided into several layers, each with unique characteristics:
- Troposphere: The lowest layer, where weather occurs.
- Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer.
- Mesosphere: Temperatures decrease with altitude.
- Thermosphere: Temperatures increase with altitude due to absorption of solar radiation.
- Exosphere: The outermost layer, gradually merging with space.
The references provided consistently confirm that the blanket of air surrounding Earth is the atmosphere, highlighting its protective and life-sustaining roles. One source, NASA Science, even refers to it as Earth's "security blanket," emphasizing its protective function.
