Structure of the Earth’s Atmosphere

The atmosphere on Earth can be divided into five different layers which depend on the different temperature conditions:

1. Troposphere
2. Stratosphere
3. Mesosphere
4. Thermosphere
5. Exosphere

Troposphere

It is the lowest layer in the Earth’s atmosphere. and closest to the ground. It reaches 15 kilometers from the earth’s surface. Almost 75 percent of the mass of the atmosphere is from this part due to the heavy gases. The troposphere is found to be thick at the equator and thin at the north and south poles due to the difference in Gravity at the poles and the equator. The clouds are found in the area and so does all the activities of the weather. Air is warmer at the bottom and as the height increases the temperature decreases this is true not only for the Troposphere but also for most of the other layers. 

Stratosphere

It is the layer directly above the Troposphere. It reaches from the top of the troposphere to  50 kilometers above the ground. It has the highest concentration of oxygen and even the ozone layer is present in the stratosphere. The ozone layer is very important for the survival of humans as it protects us from the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun and prevents various health diseases like skin cancer etc.

Mesosphere

It is the layer above the stratosphere and is about 83 kilometers above the Stratosphere. The concentration of oxygen and nitrogen is high in this layer and the concentration of water vapor is almost null. The Temperature decreases with the increase in altitude till this point in the atmosphere, the coldest point in the earth’s atmosphere is at the top of the Mesosphere. The reason it increases after this point is that the gases above it absorbed solar radiation It is also the place where most meteors burn up before reaching the ground.

Thermosphere

It is the layer above the Mesosphere and reaches from the top of the Mesosphere to 600 kilometers above the earth’s surface. The temperature of this region is generally very high due to the absorption of solar radiation emitted by the sun, which can go up to 2,000 degrees. Atomic oxygen takes up most of the area at this level and is present in its lone form as an atom.

Exosphere

It is the layer above the Thermosphere. It is the uppermost layer in the Earth’s atmosphere. Due to very low gravity, the gas molecule escapes into outer space. The air in this layer is extremely thin and it merges with the space in the end.

Related Links

1. Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere
2. Natural Environment

he Earth’s atmosphere is a thin layer of gases that surrounds it and is kept in place by gravity. This layer is vital for maintaining the planet’s ecosystem by supplying the air necessary for respiration, regulating its temperature, and safeguarding it from harmful radiation. Nitrogen and oxygen constitute approximately 99% of the Earth’s atmospheric volume, with the remaining 1% comprising various gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, methane, and ozone, whose concentrations can fluctuate depending on location and time. Any variations in the composition of these gases can have a significant impact on the environment and climate of the Earth.