The Earth's atmosphere is divided into five main layers based on temperature:
- Troposphere: This is the lowest layer, extending from the Earth's surface up to about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). It's where we live, and it contains most of the atmosphere's mass and water vapor.
- Stratosphere: Above the troposphere, the stratosphere extends from about 12 to 50 kilometers (7.5 to 31 miles). This layer contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
- Mesosphere: From 50 to 80 kilometers (31 to 50 miles), the mesosphere is where most meteors burn up.
- Thermosphere: The thermosphere extends from 80 to 600 kilometers (50 to 373 miles). It's characterized by very high temperatures due to the absorption of solar radiation.
- Exosphere: This outermost layer gradually fades into space. It's where satellites orbit and the atmosphere becomes extremely thin.
While there are only five main layers, some sources may also include the ionosphere, which is a region within the thermosphere and upper mesosphere where the air is ionized by solar radiation. The ozonosphere is another region, located primarily within the stratosphere, where ozone concentration is highest. These regions are often referred to as sub-layers within the main layers.
Therefore, while the five main layers are the most widely recognized, other sub-layers can be included in discussions about the atmosphere.
