...Without our atmosphere, there would be no life on earth. Two gases make up the bulk of the earth's atmosphere: nitrogen (78%), and oxygen (21%). Argon, carbon dioxide and various trace gases make up the remainder. Scientists divided the atmosphere into four layers according to temperature: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. The temperature drops as we go up through the troposphere, but it rises as we move through the next layer, the stratosphere. The farther away from earth, the thinner the atmosphere gets. There are many layers that make up the Atmosphere. The Exosphere, Thermosphere, Mesosphere, Stratosphere, and the Troposphere. The Exosphere is the outermost layer of the Atmosphere. It extends from the top of the thermosphere to 6,200 miles above the earth. In this layer, atoms and molecules escape into space and satellites orbit the earth. At the bottom of the exosphere is the Thermopause located around 375 miles above the earth. The Thermosphere is the next layer. It is between about 53 miles and 375 miles. This layer is known as the upper atmosphere. While still extremely thin, the gasses of the thermosphere become increasingly more dense as one descends toward the earth. Incoming high energy ultraviolet and x-ray radiation from the sun begins to be absorbed by the molecules in this layer and causes a large temperature increase. Because of this absorption, the temperature increases with height. From as low as -184 degrees at the bottom of this...
Words: 768 - Pages: 4
...Structure and Properties of Atmosphere Earth’s atmosphere refers to a layer of gases surrounding the earth, and it is retained by the gravity of the earth. Earth’s atmosphere protects life by warming the surfaces through green house effect, absorbing ultra violet radiations, and by maintaining temperature variations during daytime and night. The mass of the atmosphere is estimated to be about 5x1018 kg. The major gases of atmosphere by volume include; oxygen (21%), argon (0.93%) and nitrogen (78%) (Donald 56). This paper, therefore, explores the structure and properties of the atmosphere. Earth’s atmosphere is divided into five major layers. The arrangement of these layers occurs from the outmost layer to the innermost layer. These layers are arranged based on air pressure and density. For instance, density and air pressure decreases with altitude while temperatures may either increase or remain constant in relative to altitude. Thus, the patterns of temperature/ altitude provide a vital metric for arranging earth’s layers. Firstly, the exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere. The main components of exosphere include; helium, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen molecules (Atmospheric Structure par 4). These molecules are far apart from each other such that they travel hundreds of kilometers without colliding. As a result, the exosphere does not behave like a gas. Succinctly, the free moving particles adhere to ballistic trajectories hence can move in and...
Words: 926 - Pages: 4
...In primary School, we would define the atmosphere as a“ blanket covering the Earth” but in general it is defined as a layer of gases that surrounds the earth , I like to define it as the source of life ,that is to say there would not be life without the atmosphere . The atmosphere insulates the Earth from extreme temperatures; it keeps heat inside the atmosphere and it also blocks the Earth from much of the Sun's incoming ultraviolet radiation (NASA 1999). The Earth’s atmosphere is divided into four different layers , namely , the Troposphere , Stratosphere , Mesosphere and the Thermosphere, In this essay , I am going to explain , with the aid of a diagram the layered structure of the atmosphere, the different temperatures that occur and also the different processes that take place in all the layers. layered structure of atmosphere As you can see in this picture above, this is how the layers are positioned in the atmosphere, it starts with the Troposphere which is the bottom layer and the one closest to the Earth ,it is the most important layer because all life takes place here, the important gases which are essential for living are found only here , it has a height of 12km, almost all weather occurs in this layer, the air is warmer at bottom of the troposphere and as you go up it gets cooler until eventually it reaches a point of dryness because altitude varies with latitude All the different layers have boundaries that separate them, in the troposphere it is called...
Words: 696 - Pages: 3
... Troposphere: The troposphere is the first atmosphere’s layer after the Earth’s crust. This is the layer where all the weather condition such as rain, snow, wind etc. happens. The layer starts immediately after the crust and because of the irregular surface of the Earth, the height of the layer can change, the maximum height is 20 Km and the minimum can be below 6 km. The composition of the troposphere includes nitrogen (78%), oxygen (20%), argon (0.93%, carbon dioxide (0.04%), water vapour and other gases. The temperature tends to decrease with altitude that is the reason why troposphere is also known as an inversion layer. This trend of the temperature is due to the sunlight which through the atmosphere, heats the Earth’s surface and consequently...
Words: 1024 - Pages: 5
...Atmosphere The atmosphere of Earth is a layer of gases surrounding the planet Earth that is retained by Earth's gravity. The atmosphere protects life on Earth by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation, warming the surface through heat retention (greenhouse effect), and reducing temperature extremes between day and night. Dry air contains roughly (by volume) 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.93% argon, 0.038% carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases. Air also contains a variable amount of water vapor, on average around 1%. The atmosphere becomes thinner and thinner with increasing altitude, with no definite boundary between the atmosphere and outer space. Structure of the atmosphere Principal layers of the atmosphere The atmosphere of the Earth may be divided into several distinct layers, as the following figure indicates. [pic] Troposphere The troposphere is where all weather takes place. The air pressure at the top of the troposphere is only 10% of that at sea level (0.1 atmospheres).The troposphere begins at the surface and extends to between 7 km at the poles and 17 km at the equator, with some variation due to weather. The troposphere is mostly heated by transfer of energy from the surface, so on average the lowest part of the troposphere is warmest and temperature decreases with altitude. The troposphere contains roughly 80% of the mass of the atmosphere. The tropopause is the boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere. Stratosphere Above the...
Words: 2096 - Pages: 9
...Electromagnetic fields are present everywhere around the atmosphere but are not visible. Electric fields are produced by the local build-up of electric charges in the atmosphere associated with thunderstorms. The earth's magnetic field causes a compass needle to orient in a North-South direction and is used by birds and fish for navigation.[ http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/]. Now we will talk briefly about the atmospheric electromagnetic fields. There is always free electricity in the air and in the clouds, which acts by induction on the earth and electromagnetic devices. Experiments have shown that there is always free electricity in the atmosphere, which is sometimes negative and sometimes positive, but most generally positive, and the intensity of this free electricity is greater in the middle of the day than at morning or night and is greater in winter than in summer. In fine weather, the potential increases with altitude at about 30 volts per foot (100 V/m). The atmospheric medium, by which we are surrounded, contains not only combined electricity, like every other form of matter, but also a considerable quantity in a free and uncombined state; sometimes of one kind, sometimes of the other; but as a general rule it is always of an opposite kind to that of the Earth. Different layers, or strata, of the atmosphere, located at only small distances from each other, are frequently found to be in different electric states. The phenomena of atmospheric electricity...
Words: 2142 - Pages: 9
...Layers of the Earth The planet earth was formed about 4.5 billion years ago, after the collapse of the super massive gaseous body. As time moved on, the earth cooled down and is still cooling, as of today. As a result of the cooling process, denser materials like iron and sulfur sank to the inside of the earth; whereas, lighter materials like silicates and water floated near the earth's surface. Coming to the topic of our discussion, our planet earth comprises several layers. Starting from the surface, there are four main layers; namely, the crust, the mantle, the outer core, and the inner core. The pressure and temperature increase tremendously when one goes from the outer layers to the inner layers. Let's take a look at each of them individually. The Crust The crust or the lithosphere is the outermost layer of the earth made up of silicate rock materials. It makes up only about one percent of the earth and is the thinnest layer in comparison to the remaining three layers. Most earthquakes occur in the crust, and the average recorded temperature is 870 °C. The thickness and the composition of the earth's crust vary in the land and the ocean. For example; the continental crust is about 32 kilometers thick and composed of lighter materials like granite, quartz, and feldspar. Whereas, the oceanic crust measures about 10 kilometers and is mostly made up of basalt. The Mantle The mantle, the largest layer of the earth, is made up of iron, aluminum, calcium, magnesium...
Words: 950 - Pages: 4
...Ozone Layer Depletion: Introduction Are we damaging our protective blanket? Sunlight contains some ultraviolet light, and when we expose ourselves to too much of it, we get a sunburn. Over time, too much exposure to ultraviolet light can lead to cataracts and skin cancer. The earth has a layer in the upper atmosphere, consisting mostly of ozone gas, that filters out most of the ultraviolet in the sun's radiation. Recently there has been scientific evidence that we have been releasing gases that damage this layer. Our country and others have reacted by invoking legislation that should eliminate these contaminants from the atmosphere. What does the Ozone Layer do? * Ozone absorbs 99% of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Without the Ozone Layer * Most of the harmful UV radiation will penetrate the atmosphere. The Ozone Layer The ozone layer is a layer in Earth's atmosphere which contains relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3). This layer absorbs 97-99% of the sun's high frequency ultraviolet light, which is potentially damaging to life on earth. Over 90% of ozone in earth's atmosphere is present here "Relatively high" means a few parts per million—much higher than the concentrations in the lower atmosphere but still small compared to the main components of the atmosphere. It is mainly located in the lower portion...
Words: 937 - Pages: 4
...Atmosphere- a blanket of air that surrounds the earth Function of the atmosphere 1. It insulates us so that we don’t freeze at night. 2. Its ozone layer protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. 3. It also contains the carbon dioxide needed by plants for photosynthesis, and the oxygen we need to breathe. Layers of the atmosphere Troposphere • Layer closest to the Earth. • Where all weather occurs • The higher you go in the Troposphere the colder it gets. • The only layer of the atmosphere where life is possible. • Extends 5-10 kms up from the Earth’s surface. Stratosphere • Second layer of the atmosphere. • Extends from 10-50 kms above the Earth’s surface. • Temperatures remain fairly constant. • Very calm.....NO WEATHER! • Special form of oxygen-OZONE, which protects us from harmful UV rays. • Planes fly here, birds do not! Mesosphere ❑ Air here is very cold and thin ❑ Extends to a height of 80 kms ❑ Meteorites are burnt out at this layer Thermosphere • Found between 80 km and 700 kms • Space shuttles fly in this area. • Aurora lights are found here Terms to remember ▪ Meteorology - is the study of the entire atmosphere including weather ▪ Weather - is the present state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place. ▪ Weather forecast – the prediction about the weather that will be experienced a short period of time...
Words: 362 - Pages: 2
...period of time – a “snap shot” of the atmosphere at a particular time. Climate the some or synthesis of all the weather recorded over a long period of time. It tells us the average or most common conditions. What is oceanography? Also called oceanology or marine science. It is a branch of earth science, it is the study of the deep sea and shallow costal oceans. What is hydrology? The study of movement, distribution and quality of water on earth and other planets. What is metrology? The study of weather. What is demography? Statistical study of human populations and sub-populations. What is geomorphology? The study of the surface of a planet and those processes responsible for forming it. Four types of precipitation: Rain, snow sleet and hail. Synoptic chart Shows weather events occurring at one time throughout a large area such as a country or region. Hectopascals: Unit of measurement of atmospheric pressure. What is microclimate: Local atmospheric zone where the climate differs from the surrounding areas. Ozone layers: Layer of earth’s atmosphere containing relatively high concentrations of ozone. The Troposphere The Stratosphere The Mesosphere The Thermosphere The exosphere. What is atmosphere The atmosphere is a layer of gases, which surrounds the entire Earth. It consists mainly of Nitrogen, Oxygen, as well as a few other gaseous elements. The purpose of this "layer" around the Earth is to prevent excessive...
Words: 910 - Pages: 4
...will explore the ozone layer by doing online research and collecting information. You will then communicate your results in written form. • STEM—You will use your knowledge of kinetics to analyze scientific investigations. • 21st Century Skills—You will employ online tools for research and analysis. Introduction You have probably heard about the ozone layer and/or the hole in the ozone layer. Ozone is an allotrope of oxygen (O3) which is a very important part of our lives. In this activity, you will learn more about ozone and how it is formed. You will also investigate what causes the ozone layer to be depleted over time in the upper atmosphere. ________________________________________________________________________________ Directions and Analysis Task 1: The Ozone Layer Read about the ozone layer and answer the following questions. You can use the key word “ozone” or “ozone layer” in a search engine to learn more about it. Key search terms: ozone, ozone layer, benefits of ozone 1. Describe a few of the properties of ozone and compare these to the properties of diatomic oxygen. Type your response here: 2. Describe the process by which ozone can be formed in large cities. Type your response here: 3. Even though ozone may be dangerous to our health here on Earth, how can it be beneficial in the upper atmosphere? Type your response here: 4. How is ozone formed in the upper atmosphere? Type your response...
Words: 1422 - Pages: 6
...end suffers. Gases that include methane (CH4) and nitrogen oxide (N2O) are emitted into the atmosphere during these industrial processes hence there is the depletion of the ozone layer resulting in the so called ozone hole. Thus the essay below would highlight more on human’s impact on the atmosphere and later effects of the ozone hole which in turn affect them. Albarca J.F (2000) notes that an ozone layer is a belt of ozone gases which is located at about 15 to 50km above the earth surface. This layer blocks harmful ultraviolet (gamma and alpha rays) part of the solar radiation from reaching the earth surface which will in future cause nonmelanoma skin cancer. Ozone depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons thin this ozone layer resulting in a large area having half or less ozone than normal to appear hence the term ozone hole. Handwerk (2000) elaborate that the ozone is created naturally when oxygen molecules high in the atmosphere get broken by sunlight into two free oxygen atoms. A free atom can then bond with an unbroken oxygen atom and ozone is born. Ozone depletion happens when an ultraviolet light breaks the molecular bond in the CFCs and free atom get released. Chlorine then destroys ozone molecules by “stealing” their oxygen atom, hence the term ozone depletion. With increased reaction of this matter it will result in the so called ozone hole. Thus in my own view ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, helping in the protection of harmful ultraviolet rays from...
Words: 1454 - Pages: 6
...With the aid of a diagram, describe the structure of the atmosphere. (8 marks) The atmosphere is an area of gases, with some solids and liquids surrounding the earth or another planet. The troposphere is the first layer of gases surrounding the earth which extends 11km from the earth’s surface. In this layer most weather processes take place as well as it having the hottest temperature as solar radiation heats up the earth’s surface. The second layer is the stratosphere (25-30km), this zone has a steady increase in temperature (temperature inversion) from the ozone layer absorbing the solar radiation which would otherwise be very harmful the humans (e.g. uv). The layer above the stratosphere is the mesosphere. In the zone of the atmosphere the temperature rapidly decline (-90C) due to the fact there is no water vapour or dust to absorb the radiation. The mesosphere also has very strong winds which can exceed 3,00km/hr. After the Mesosphere comes the Thermosphere. This layer is named so as there is an increase in temperature resulting from the absorption of UV radiation by atomic oxygen found at this altitude. The exosphere is the uppermost region of Earth's atmosphere as it gradually fades into the vacuum of space. Air in the exosphere is extremely thin - in many ways it is almost the same as the airless void of outer space where molecules are gravitationally bound to that body, but where the density is too low for them to behave as a...
Words: 258 - Pages: 2
...GS1140 Global Warming & the Ozone Layer Scientific studies have shown that tons of greenhouse gases being produced are destroying our planet. Greenhouse gases are constantly rising into earth’s atmosphere and destroying the ozone layer causing global warming. The rise of the temperature on earth puts vegetation, marine life, and human life in serious danger. Generally, holes in the ozone layer are the cause of global warming which has catastrophic effects on our planet. The ozone is in two areas of earth’s atmosphere, the troposphere and the stratosphere. The role of the ozone layer is to absorb most of the UV radiation from reaching the earth’s surface that comes from the sun. There are tons of greenhouse gases produced every year making holes in earth’s ozone layer, which cause harm to all life forms on earth. There are 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide pollution produced by power plants in the United States alone that are being released into the atmosphere destroying our ozone layer which blocks UV radiation from the sun. These UV radiation are harmful to human life, causing increased health issues such as, more skin problems, severe eye conditions and weakening of the immune system. Similar health effects are found in domestic and wild animals also. These effects are also dangerous for marine life because the increase in UV radiation causes damage to marine plant life and fish. The UV radiation affects many materials we use on a daily basis, such as fabrics...
Words: 478 - Pages: 2
...Earth's atmosphere is a unique reservoir of gases, the product of nearly 5 billion years of development. It sustains us and protects us from hostile radiation and particles from the Sun and beyond-the atmosphere serves as an efficient filter.When astronauts work in space, they must wear a bulky spacesuit that does everything to sustain and protect them that the atmosphere does for us all the time.Atmosphere is a gaseous mixture of ancient origin, the sum of all the exhalations and inhalations of life on Earth throughout time. The principal substance of this atmosphere is air, the medium of life as well as a major industrial and chemical raw material. Air is a simple mixture of gases that is naturally odorless, colorless, tasteless, and formless, blended so thoroughly that it behaves as if it were a single gas ATMOSPHERIC PROFILE: We consider the top of our atmosphere to be around 480 km (300 mi) above Earth's surface, the same altitude we use for measuring the solar constant and insolation receipt. Beyond that altitude, the atmosphere is rarefied (nearly a vacuum) and is called the exosphere, which means "outer sphere." It contains scarce lightweight hydrogen and helium atoms, weakly bound by gravity as far as 32,000 km (20,000 mi) from Earth.Earth's modern atmosphere is in a series of imperfectly shaped concentric "shells" or "spheres" that grade into one another, all bound to the planet by gravity.As critical as the atmosphere is to us, it represents only...
Words: 1614 - Pages: 7
