Layers of the Atmosphere Quizlet
Ozone layer
Layer in the stratosphere that protects Earth from harmful UV rays from the sun.
Ionosphere
Level in the thermosphere, contains electrically charged particles called ions. Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) occur in this layer.
Air pressure
Measure of the force with which air molecules push on an object. It is greatest (strongest) at the troposphere.
Atmosphere
Mixture of gases that surround a planet or moon. Made of a mixture of elements and compounds.
What do molecules look like in the exosphere?
Molecules are spread apart (least dense)
What do molecules look like in the troposphere?
Molecules are tightly packed (most dense)
Two most abundant gases in Earth's atmosphere
Nitrogen (78%) and Oxygen (21%)
Exosphere
Outermost layer of the atmosphere or outer layer of the thermosphere. It is the least dense and satellites orbit here. Made of hydrogen and helium.
Stratosphere
Second layer of Earth's atmosphere. Ozone layer and jet stream is here.
Jet stream
A strong steady wind tunnel that planes fly in. It is found in the stratosphere
Hydrosphere
Combined mass of water found on the surface, under the surface and above the surface of Earth
Troposphere
Densest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, the layer in which weather occurs, where all life lives. Has the highest air pressure.
When altitude increases, what happens to density and air pressure?
Density and air pressure decrease
Altitude
Height above sea level
Thermosphere
Hottest layer of the atmosphere. The ionosphere is located here, which causes the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.
Mesosphere
Third or middle layer of Earth's atmosphere. Coldest layer and meteors burn up in this layer. This layer protects us from meteors as well.
Mnemonic to remember the order of the layers of the atmosphere
Tropical Storms Make Terrible Exits
75%-80% of all molecules are located here
Troposphere
Which layers of the atmosphere do planes fly through?
Troposphere and stratosphere