Layers of the Atmosphere
By: Madeline Greene
The 4 Main Layers
Troposphere
The Troposphere is the layer closest to Earth. The temperatures in the Troposphere range from -60°C to 20°C. When traveling higher into the Troposphere, temperatures decrease. Weather we receive on Earth occurs in the Troposphere. Activities and items present in the Troposphere include Flocks of Geese, Hot Air Balloons, Planes, and Clouds.
Stratosphere
The Stratosphere is the 2nd lowest main layer. Temperatures in the Troposphere range from -60°C to -20°C. There is an increase in temperatures when continuing higher into the Stratosphere. This layer contains the atmosphere's ozone. Some jets and balloons have traveled into the Stratosphere. Activities and items present in the Stratosphere include Planes, Clouds, Ozone Molecules, and some Meteors at the very top of the Stratosphere.
Mesosphere
The Mesosphere is the 3rd main layer. Temperatures in the Mesosphere range from -100°C to -20°C. There is a decrease in temperatures when traveling higher into the Mesosphere. This layer helps protect the Earth from meteors and is the coldest region of the atmosphere. This layer is known for its numerous meteors.
Thermosphere
The Thermosphere is the highest of the main layers. Its temperatures range from -100°C and higher. There is an increase in temperatures when traveling higher into the Thermosphere. Temperatures in the Thermosphere can reach up to 2,000°C. The air molecules in the Thermosphere are 1 km apart. Activities and items present in the Thermosphere are Radio Waves, Aurora Borealis, Intl. Space Station, and an Unmanned Spacecraft.
Sub Layers
Ozonosphere
The Ozonosphere is the sub layer closest to Earth. This layer of ozone runs between the Troposphere and the Stratosphere. Ozone is made up of 3 oxygen atoms. The Ozone layer protects the surface from the Sun's Ultraviolet rays. Humans are constantly causing Ozone depletion. Ozone molecules most commonly range from 20 - 30 km.
Ionosphere
The Ionosphere is the 2nd lowest sub layer. This layer is the lower part of the Thermosphere. Radio waves are present between 96 and 112 km above the Earth and bounce back to Earth's surface from the Ionosphere. Atoms in the Ionosphere are positively charges due to cosmic rays.
Exosphere
The Exosphere is the 3rd sub layer from Earth. It is also the top part of the Thermosphere. Most Artificial Satellites orbit in the Exosphere. An Unmanned Spacecraft is present 3,000 km above Earth, in the Exosphere. The atmosphere is thin in the Exosphere.
Magnetosphere
The Magnetosphere is the highest sub layer of the atmosphere. This layer acts as Earth's Magnetic Field and attracts particals from the solar wind. The phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis or also called the Northern Lights is caused by the Magnetosphere. The ions in the solar plasma are charged which makes them interact with the magnetic fields differently, solar wind particals are swept around the Earth's magnetosphere along with other planet's magnetospheres as well.