Earth's Atmosphere: Layers and Composition

📋 Course Outline

1. Atmospheric Layers
2. Atmospheric Composition
3. Solar Radiation Balance
4. Weather vs Climate
5. Pressure and Winds
6. Atmospheric Moisture
7. Weather Fronts
8. Severe Weather Events
9. Climate Change Impacts

📖 1. Atmospheric Layers

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Troposphere: The lowest atmospheric layer extending from Earth's surface up to about 8-15 km; characterized by decreasing temperature with altitude and where most weather phenomena occur.
• Stratosphere: The layer above the troposphere, from roughly 15 km to 50 km altitude; contains the ozone layer which absorbs ultraviolet radiation, and features increasing temperatures with altitude.
• Mesosphere: Extends from about 50 km to 85 km; temperatures decrease with altitude, and this layer is where meteors burn upon entry.
• Thermosphere: Ranges from 85 km to 600 km; characterized by a significant temperature increase due to absorption of high-energy solar radiation.
• Exosphere: The outermost layer, where atmospheric particles are sparse and can escape into space; begins around 600 km and gradually merges with space.

📝 Essential Points