Layers of the Atmosphere

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Characteristics of the Atmosphere
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Composition of the Atmosphere

• The atmosphere is primarily composed of
  Nitrogen (78) and Oxygen (21)
• Other components are present which include
• Argon (1), "greenhouse" gases (0.01)
• Ozone (O.01) Carbon Dioxide (0.01-0.1)

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• The first layer closest to the earth is the
  troposphere.
• This layer contains about 90 of the total mass
  of the atmosphere.
• This is where all plants and animals live and
  breathe.
• Climate and weather also occur in this layer.

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• The next layer is the stratosphere.
• It extends to about 30 miles above the earth.
• Ozone in this layer stops many of the sun's
  harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the earth.
  

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• Approximately 90 of the ozone in the
  atmosphere resides in the stratosphere.
• Ozone absorbs the bulk of harmful ultraviolet
  radiation.
• Increased penetration of ultraviolet radiation to
  the planet's surface would damage plant life and
  have harmful environmental consequences.
• Large amounts of solar ultraviolet radiation
  would result in a dramatic increase in cancers.

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• The third layer is the mesosphere. The
  temperature can drop to -173 degrees Fahrenheit.
• This is where we see "falling stars," meteors
  that fall to the earth and burn up in the
  atmosphere.

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• The thermosphere layer has many temperature
  changes. Energy from the sun is absorbed and
  bounced back. The top of this layer can get to
  441 degrees Fahrenheit.