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The Atmosphere

The atmosphere is a vital layer of gases surrounding Earth, primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen. It consists of several layers, each with unique characteristics and functions. The troposphere is where all life exists and is characterized by weather dynamics. The ozone layer in the stratosphere protects us from harmful UV radiation, while the mesosphere is where meteors burn up. The thermosphere interacts with solar activity, and the exosphere is the outermost layer where atoms escape into space. Understanding these layers is crucial for appreciating their impact on our planet.

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The Atmosphere

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  1. The Atmosphere

  2. Definition The layer of gases surrounding Earth; composed mainly of nitrogen and oxygen

  3. Layers http://www.fi.edu/wright/again/wings.avkids.com/wings.avkids.com/Book/Atmosphere/Images/atmos_layers.gif

  4. Troposphere • This is where all plants and animals live and breathe • Where weather takes place • Air is mixes • T decreases with altitude http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/kingworc/departments/geography/nottingham/atmosphere/pages/gfx/troposphere.jpg

  5. Ozone Layer • Pale blue gas with a strong odor. • 90% of all ozone is found in the stratosphere • 10% is found in the troposphere • Ozone is extremely important because it is the only gas that absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun and protects the surface of the Earth and people from the damaging effects of UV rays http://ess.geology.ufl.edu/ess/Notes/090-Ozone_Depletion/depl2.jpg

  6. Stratosphere • Ozone in this layer stops many of the sun's harmful rays from reaching the earth • People can not breathe in this layer.

  7. Mesosphere • T decreases with altitude • This is where we see "falling stars" – meteors burning up as they fall to Earth

  8. Thermosphere • Layer of the atmosphere which is first exposed to the Sun's radiation and so is first heated by the Sun. • The air is very thin • The temperature dependent on solar activity.

  9. Ionosphere • An extension or a part of the thermosphere. So technically, the ionosphere is not another atmospheric layer. • Free electrons and ions tend to recombine

  10. http://science-education.pppl.gov/SummerInst/aurora%20borealis.jpghttp://science-education.pppl.gov/SummerInst/aurora%20borealis.jpg

  11. Exosphere • Highest layer of the atmosphere. The air is very thin here • Atoms and molecules escape into space

  12. Let’s look at an animation: http://earthguide.ucsd.edu/earthguide/diagrams/atmosphere/index.html

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