Layers of the atmosphere
The atmosphere consists of five layers, each with its own characteristics and boundaries. From the lowest layer to the highest, these layers are:
1. Troposphere: This is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to about 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) high. It is where all weather occurs, with the highest concentration of water vapor and the majority of the Earth's clouds and precipitation.
2. Stratosphere: The stratosphere extends from the top of the troposphere to about 50 kilometers (31 miles) above the Earth's surface. The ozone layer is located in the lower stratosphere, which absorbs and scatters the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
3. Mesosphere: The mesosphere extends from the top of the stratosphere to about 85 kilometers (53 miles) above the Earth's surface. Temperatures decrease with height in this layer, with the coldest temperatures in the entire atmosphere found at the top of the mesosphere.
4. Thermosphere: The thermosphere extends from the top of the mesosphere to about 600 kilometers (373 miles) above the Earth's surface. Despite its high temperatures, the thermosphere is extremely thin and does not feel hot because there are very few particles in this layer to transfer heat.
5. Exosphere: The exosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending from the top of the thermosphere to the edge of space. This layer is very thin and composed mostly of hydrogen and helium gas. It gradually merges with the vacuum of outer space without a clearly defined boundary.