Atmosphere

ATMOSPHEREAtmosphere- the air that surrounds the Earth. A mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth

2 abundant (plentiful) gases-Nitrogen (78% of the atmosphere)

Oxygen (21% of the atmosphere)

Other (1%)

ALTITUDEAltitude- elevation above sea level. The higher into the atmosphere, the higher the altitude.

Pressure- amount of force pushing on a surface. Pressure DECREASES the higher the altitude

Temperature- how warm or cold the area is. Temperature varies through each layer.

Density- the amount of mass per volume. Density DECREASES the higher the altitude

The atmosphere is divided into 4 layers due to temperature change in each layer.

4 Layers of the Atmosphere

Troposphere- the area we live, where all weather happens.

Stratosphere- Jets fly in this area, ozone layer here absorbing ultraviolet radiation for the sun.

Mesosphere- Meteoroids burn up here. Thermosphere- layer that reaches outer

space. VERY HOT, because energy from the sun hits here first. The thermosphere is divided into two parts

Ionosphere- brilliant light displays (aurora borealis) happen here due to the particles from the sun interaction with the oxygen and nitrogen

Exosphere- satellites can orbit here.