Flashcards: Earth's Atmosphere: Layers and Composition — 10 cards

Atmospheric Layers — main?

Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere.

Troposphere — definition?

Lowest layer; weather occurs here.

Composition — major gases?

Nitrogen (~78%) and oxygen (~21%).

Stratosphere — role?

Contains ozone, absorbs UV radiation.

Solar balance — key process?

Balance between incoming solar and outgoing infrared radiation.

Mesosphere — temperature trend?

Temperatures decrease with altitude.

Thermosphere — characteristic?

High temperatures due to solar radiation.

Exosphere — features?

Sparse particles, merges with space.

Major gases — example?

Nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%).

Ozone layer — location?

Within the stratosphere.