Atmosphere layers and their altitudes
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Major Atmosphere Layers and Their Altitude Ranges
Troposphere: The Lowest Layer of the Atmosphere
The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where most weather events and clouds occur. Its altitude varies depending on location: it extends from the Earth's surface up to about 18 kilometers (km) over the equator and about 8 km over the poles. The upper boundary of the troposphere is called the tropopause, which marks the altitude where temperature stops decreasing with height and begins to stabilize or increase in the next layer 156710.
Stratosphere: The Ozone-Rich Layer
Above the troposphere lies the stratosphere, which stretches from the tropopause up to about 50 km above the Earth's surface. In this layer, temperature increases with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer, which is most concentrated between 15 and 35 km. The stratosphere contains most of the atmospheric ozone, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The upper boundary of the stratosphere is called the stratopause 1356710.
Mesosphere: The Coldest Layer
The mesosphere sits above the stratosphere, extending from about 50 km to roughly 80 km altitude. This layer is characterized by decreasing temperatures with height, and it is where the coldest temperatures in the atmosphere are found. The air in the mesosphere becomes increasingly thin with altitude 3610.
Thermosphere: The Outermost Layer
The thermosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, starting above the mesosphere at around 80 km and extending out to the edge of space. In this layer, temperature increases with altitude due to the absorption of high-energy solar radiation. The thermosphere gradually merges with outer space 310.
Ionosphere: Overlapping the Upper Layers
The ionosphere is not a distinct layer but rather a region that overlaps the mesosphere and thermosphere. It is characterized by the presence of ions and free electrons, created by the action of solar radiation on atmospheric gases. The ionosphere plays a crucial role in radio communication and interacts with Earth's magnetic field .
Atmospheric Boundary Layer: The Lowest Subdivision
The atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is the part of the troposphere directly influenced by the Earth's surface. Its height can vary from a few hundred meters up to 2 km, depending on weather, time of day, and location. The ABL is important for the mixing of heat, moisture, and pollutants near the ground 249.
Conclusion
Earth's atmosphere is structured in layers, each with distinct characteristics and altitude ranges. The main layers are the troposphere (surface to 8–18 km), stratosphere (up to 50 km), mesosphere (up to 80 km), and thermosphere (beyond 80 km), with the ionosphere overlapping the upper layers. The atmospheric boundary layer forms the lowest part of the troposphere and is vital for surface-atmosphere interactions. These layers together protect life on Earth and regulate climate and weather.
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