1. Structure of the Atmosphere

2. Structure of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere is made of several different layers.
Each layer differs in composition and temperature.
Pressure decreases as altitude increases.

3. Structure of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere, when scaled to the size of an apple, is no thicker than the skin on an apple.
Although the atmosphere is a gas, it behaves like a fluid.
There is a surface but no “top” – the atmosphere gradually thins out with increasing altitude.

4. Structure of the Atmosphere
78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen
0.93% Argon
0.03% Carbon dioxide
+ Trace gases

5. Layers of the Atmosphere
vertical temperature (T) profile
troposphere
stratosphere
mesosphere
thermosphere
exosphere

6. Lower atmosphere: troposphere
Approximately 9-16 km thick.
Where most weather takes place.
Has most mass.
Temperature decreases with altitude.

8. Lower atmosphere: stratosphere
Extends to 50 km.
Concentrated ozone, which absorbs UV radiation.
Heat absorption causes stratosphere temperature to increase.

10. Upper atmosphere: mesosphere
50-85 km.
Meteors burn up in this layer.
Top of mesosphere is mesopause, the coldest part of the atmosphere at -130° F.
Difficult to study. Too high for weather balloons and too low for satellites.

12. Upper atmosphere: thermosphere
~ 90 km – up to 1000 km
Little mass.
Northern lights and satellites
Has ionosphere, made up of charged particles.

13. Upper atmosphere: exosphere
outermost layer extending up to 10,000 km
Where space and atmosphere merge.
Satellites and space craft can reach.

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