The Earth’s atmosphere is a vast, dynamic system of gases that envelops our planet, essential for sustaining life and protecting us from the harshness of space. This protective blanket is divided into five distinct layers, each with unique characteristics regarding alтιтude, temperature, and phenomena.
Troposphere (0 to 12–18 km)
The Troposphere is the lowest and densest layer, extending from the surface up to an average alтιтude of about 12 kilometers (though varying between the poles and the equator). This is where all terrestrial weather occurs. Temperature generally decreases with height, ranging from $15^\circ\text{C}$ at the surface down to approximately $-56.5^\circ\text{C}$ at the top. Activities here include H๏τ air balloons and pᴀssenger planes.
Stratosphere (11 to 50 km)
Above the Troposphere is the Stratosphere. Unlike the layer below, temperature increases with alтιтude here, a phenomenon called inversion. This warming, from roughly $-56.5^\circ\text{C}$ to $-2.5^\circ\text{C}$, is primarily caused by the ozone layer absorbing harmful solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The stability of this layer makes it ideal for high-alтιтude weather balloons (radiosondes) and certain meteorological rockets.
Mesosphere (40–50 to 80–90 km)
The Mesosphere, or “middle layer,” is characterized by the coldest temperatures in the atmosphere, dropping from $-2.5^\circ\text{C}$ down to about $-86.5^\circ\text{C}$. This layer is crucial because it’s where most small celestial debris, or meteors, burn up upon entering the atmosphere, creating the streaks of light we call shooting stars.
Thermosphere (80–90 to 800 km)
Extending high above, the Thermosphere is where temperatures begin to soar due to the absorption of high-energy solar radiation, reaching extremely high levels, often from $-86.5^\circ\text{C}$ up to $1200^\circ\text{C}$. However, because the air density is incredibly low, this heat transfer wouldn’t feel H๏τ. This layer is home to the stunning Aurora (Northern and Southern Lights), which are caused by solar winds interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. This is also the region where the International Space Station and some satellites orbit.
Exosphere (800 to 3000 km)
The Exosphere is the outermost layer, where the atmosphere gradually thins out and merges into outer space. Extending from 800 km up to an estimated 3000 km, gas particles here are so widely spaced that they rarely collide. Satellites and spacecraft can be found orbiting within or pᴀssing through this transitional zone, which can reach temperatures of $1200^\circ\text{C}$
