Layers of Atmosphere: The layer of gases that covers Earth and contains the air we breathe is known as an atmosphere. The gravitational pull of the Earth keeps it close to the planet’s surface. To gauge air pressure, use a barometer. The three primary components of the atmosphere are nitrogen, oxygen, and argon.

The atmosphere of Earth includes five primary layers and several minor ones. The primary layers are the top from lowest to highest in the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. In this article, we will discuss the layers of the atmosphere in detail.

Atmosphere: Definition

All life on Earth is sheltered by the atmosphere. An atmosphere is a layer of gases that regulates temperatures within a narrow range and deflects harmful solar rays.

Layers of the Atmosphere

As you ascend in height, the temperature of the atmosphere changes, resulting in the formation of five separate layers. Let us study each layer in detail in the following sections.

Troposphere

The troposphere of Earth rises from the planet’s surface to an average height of 12 kilometres (7.5 miles). However, this very thin layer is responsible for holding all the air that animals and plants need to breathe for photosynthesis. It also holds around 99 percent of all water vapour and aerosols (minute solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere). Since the majority of the heat in the troposphere is produced by the transfer of energy from the Earth’s surface, temperatures in the troposphere normally decrease as one ascends. 

The weight of the atmosphere above it has compacted the troposphere, making it the densest atmospheric layer. Except for cumulonimbus thunder clouds, whose tops can climb into the lowest reaches of the nearby stratosphere, most of Earth’s weather occurs here, and practically all clouds produced by weather are located here. 

Stratosphere

The ozone layer, which shields us from the Sun’s harmful UV radiation, is found in the stratosphere, which is located between 12 and 50 kilometres (7.5 and 31 miles) above the surface of the Earth. The UV light causes temperatures to rise up as you ascend higher into the stratosphere. Polar stratospheric clouds can occasionally be found in the stratosphere’s lowest, coldest altitudes, despite the fact that it is almost cloud- and weather-free. Additionally, it is the highest point in the sky that jet aircraft can access.

Mesosphere

The mesosphere, which is between 50 and 80 kilometres (31 and 50 miles) above Earth’s surface, becomes steadily colder as height increases. In fact, with an average temperature of around minus 85 degrees Celsius, the top of this layer is the coldest location on Earth. Noctilucent clouds, the tallest clouds in the Earth’s atmosphere, are created by the extremely scant water vapour present at the top of the mesosphere and can occasionally be seen with the naked eye. In this stratum of the atmosphere, meteors usually burn up. The mesosphere can be reached by sounding rockets and rocket-powered aircraft.

Thermosphere

The thermosphere, which contains the ionosphere at its base, is situated between 80 and 700 kilometres (50 and 440 miles) above Earth’s surface. Due to the very low molecular density in this layer, temperatures rise with altitude. It is devoid of both clouds and water vapour. Here, one can occasionally glimpse the aurora australis and borealis. In the thermosphere, the International Space Station revolves.

Exosphere

The exosphere, the uppermost layer of Earth’s atmosphere, lies between 700 and 10,000 kilometres (440 and 6,200 miles) above the planet’s surface and combines with the solar wind at its top. Because the molecules in this layer have a very low density, they do not act like gases and allow particles to escape into space. The aurora borealis and aurora australis can occasionally be seen in the exosphere’s lowest point, despite the exosphere having no weather at all. The exosphere is where most Earth satellites orbit.

What If There Is No Atmosphere?

Have you ever considered what may occur if the Earth’s atmosphere disappeared? Here is a list of possible outcomes:

• Birds and aeroplanes would drop to the ground. The air has a mass that supports flying objects even if we cannot see them.
• The atmosphere would darken. The atmosphere is what gives the sky its blue colour. The atmosphere of Earth contains gases and particles that scatter sunlight in all directions. As a result of its shorter, smaller waves, blue light scatters more than other colours. This explains why the sky is typically blue.
• There wouldn’t be any sound experience. Although the ground might be vibrating, you wouldn’t be able to hear anything. For sound to travel, a medium is needed.
• Rivers, lakes, and oceans, among other bodies of water, would all boil away. When a liquid’s vapour pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure, boiling results. The water easily boils in a vacuum.
• All living things that require air to survive would perish.

FAQs About Layers of Atmosphere

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions pertaining to Layers of Atmosphere. 

Q1: Does the Earth’s atmosphere has an end?

A1: There is no specific location where the Earth’s atmosphere ends. The atmosphere becomes thinner as we climb. The boundaries between the atmosphere and space are unclear. 

Q2: In which layer of the atmosphereis the ozone layer found?

A2: The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere. The majority of the sun’s UV radiation is absorbed by the stratospheric ozone layer, shielding the Earth.

Q3: What is the name of the instrument used to measure the air pressure?

A3: Barometer is used to measure the air pressure. 

Q4: What are the different layers of the atmosphere?

A4: The troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere are the five layers of the atmosphere.

Q5: What are the three primary components of the atmosphere?

A5: The three primary components of the atmosphere are nitrogen, oxygen, and argon.

We believe this detailed article on ‘Layers of Atmosphere’ was enlightening. For more interesting articles, stay tuned to Embibe.