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Homework Help: Science: Earth: Atmosphere
You've probably already heard how humans are ruining the Earth's atmosphere, but what exactly is the atmosphere? The atmosphere is a layer of air the surrounds the Earth's surface. It includes mostly nitrogen, and other common gases such as oxygen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. The atmosphere is divided into five sub-layers. They are the Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. We will talk about them later on this page.
The atmosphere also contains atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure is the weight of the atmosphere itself. Air still has weight, even though it may seem very light. The atmosphere goes up to about 310 miles from the Earth's surface. Therefore, you can just imagine how much atmospheric pressure we receive. For example, the air weighs about fifteen pounds on every square inch of your body.
If you don't like moisture, then be happy for atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure decreases the amount of moisture in the air because it's lighter than air. Unfortunately, atmospheric pressure is also the reason why your ears pop when you go take off or land while on an airplane.
Now let's talk about the five sub-layers of the atmosphere. First, at 12 miles at Earth's equator let's talk about the troposphere. It's only 5 miles thick at the north and south poles, but we live here so don't criticize its size! This is where all of the clouds, rain, and snow form as well.
Next, the stratosphere is goes up 30 miles from the Earth's surface. On the lower areas of the stratosphere, there are many icy winds that get the supersonic Concords to their destinations. In the higher areas, the air is dryer.
Third comes the mesosphere. It's approximately 50 miles from the Earth's surface. Many would think that it would get hotter up there, but actually it gets much much cooler! Temperatures can drop to a freezing temperature of -100°F!
Don't forget about the thermosphere. At 150 miles from the Earth's surface, it blocks most radio waves. It has a layer within it called the ionosphere which is made up of charged particles called ions.
Last, the exosphere is 310 miles from the Earth's surface. It's considered the border that divides Earth from outer space. Most of the man-made satellites that fly around the Earth are located in the exosphere.
The atmosphere uses up quite a lot of the sun's energy. Only 66% of the sun's energy reaches Earth, while another 43% heats the air, and 23% evaporates water.
Homework Help: Science: Earth
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