Earth Science: Atmosphere Composition, Layers, and Key Features

What is the closest layer of the atmosphere to Earth?

Troposphere.

What occurs in the troposphere?

All weather phenomena, including clouds, rain, storms, and hurricanes.

What is the temperature pattern in the atmospheric layers?

Decreases in the troposphere, increases in the stratosphere, decreases in the mesosphere, and increases in the thermosphere.

What is the main characteristic of the stratosphere?

Contains the ozone layer and has stable air for smooth airplane travel.

What happens in the mesosphere?

Meteors burn up, creating shooting stars.

What is the temperature in the thermosphere?

Very high temperatures, up to 1500°C.

What atmospheric phenomenon occurs in the thermosphere?

Auroras (Northern & Southern Lights).

What is the ionosphere?

A region within the mesosphere and thermosphere that contains charged particles and enables radio communication.

What is the exosphere?

The outermost region of the atmosphere where it fades into space and most satellites orbit.

What is the significance of trace gases in the atmosphere?

Though small in amount, they have major effects on climate and life.

What is the memory aid for the major components of the atmosphere?

NAO Recipe: Nitrogen, Argon, Oxygen.

What is the coldest layer of the atmosphere?

Mesosphere (up to −90°C).

What layer of the atmosphere contains 75% of its mass?

Troposphere.

What is the role of water vapor (H₂O) in the atmosphere?

Contributes to clouds, rain, weather, and heat trapping.