temperature of the layers of the atmosphere
The temperature of the layers of the atmosphere varies depending on the altitude and the type of layer. Generally, the temperature decreases with increasing altitude in the troposphere, while it increases with increasing altitude in the stratosphere.
The layers of the atmosphere and their average temperature ranges are:
1. Troposphere (0 km to 12 km altitude): Temperatures range from about -60°C to 20°C depending on the altitude and location.
2. Stratosphere (12 km to 50 km altitude): Temperatures decrease from about 0°C at the bottom of the layer to as low as -60°C at the top.
3. Mesosphere (50 km to 80 km altitude): Temperatures again decrease with altitude from around -60°C to as low as -100°C.
4. Thermosphere (80 km to 600 km altitude): The temperature here can reach up to 2,500°C due to the absorption of high energy solar radiation.
5. Exosphere (600 km and above): The temperature in this layer is highly variable and can range from about 200°C to millions of degrees, depending on the level of solar activity.
The Earth's atmosphere is composed of several layers, each with its own characteristics and temperature profile. Starting from the surface and moving upwards, the layers of the atmosphere are as follows:
1. Troposphere: This is the lowest layer and extends from the Earth's surface up to approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles). In the troposphere, temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude. On average, the temperature decreases at a rate of about 6.5 degrees Celsius per kilometer (1.98 degrees Fahrenheit per 1,000 feet) in what is known as the lapse rate. However, this rate can vary due to various factors such as location, time of day, and season.
2. Stratosphere: Above the troposphere is the stratosphere, which extends from approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) to 50 kilometers (31 miles) above the Earth's surface. In the lower part of the stratosphere, the temperature remains relatively constant or even slightly increases with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer. This layer acts as a shield against harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. Near the top of the stratosphere, the temperature starts to decrease again.
3. Mesosphere: The mesosphere lies above the stratosphere and extends from approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) to 85 kilometers (53 miles) above the Earth's surface. In this layer, temperatures decrease with increasing altitude. The average temperature in the mesosphere can be as low as -90 degrees Celsius (-130 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. Thermosphere: The thermosphere is the layer above the mesosphere and extends from approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) to 600 kilometers (372 miles) above the Earth's surface. Although the air density is extremely low in this layer, the temperature increases with altitude due to the absorption of high-energy ultraviolet and X-ray radiation from the Sun.
It's important to note that the temperature profiles described above are average values and can vary depending on factors such as latitude, season, and solar activity.