Atmosphere layers

Science

Definition

Earth's atmosphere is divided into distinct layers based on temperature changes with altitude: the troposphere (weather occurs here), stratosphere (contains the ozone layer), mesosphere (where meteors burn up), thermosphere (aurora occurs here), and exosphere (transitions to space).

Examples

  • Commercial airplanes fly in the upper troposphere or lower stratosphere (about 10-12 km altitude)
  • The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs harmful UV radiation from the sun
  • The International Space Station orbits in the thermosphere at about 400 km altitude
Key Fact

Troposphere: 0-12 km; Stratosphere: 12-50 km; Mesosphere: 50-80 km; Thermosphere: 80-700 km; Exosphere: 700+ km.

Related Terms

Air pressure Ozone depletion Greenhouse effect Weather patterns

Study This Concept

Practice atmosphere layers with free review games in these units:

AP Environmental Science Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources