Understanding the Composition of the Atmosphere
Earth’s atmosphere, which consists of the mixture of gases that surround our planet, is organized into layers with varying density and temperature. Each layer makes a specific contribution to shaping climate, weather patterns, and interactions with celestial bodies.
Overview
Understanding atmospheric composition is essential to understand Earth’s atmospheric behavior and its impact on life. Let’s delve deeper into the layers that make up our atmosphere and their distinctive characteristics.
The explanation
The atmosphere is classified into layers on the basis of uniformity and temperature. These layers, extending from closest to the Earth’s surface to the outermost, include the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, ionosphere and exosphere.
1. Based on Uniformity
• Homeosphere
Within the troposphere, which includes the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere, gases are mixed evenly. This layer, extending about 88 kilometers from the Earth’s surface, evenly distributes gases like nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, water vapor and particles.
• Heterosphere
Proceeding from the isosphere, the heterosphere includes the ionosphere and the exosphere. Here, gases are unevenly distributed, with different areas exhibiting different concentrations of specific atomic or molecular species. The structure of the heterosphere is stratified by mass, with nitrogen and oxygen dominating the lower levels, transitioning to helium and hydrogen toward the outer atmospheric boundaries.
2. Based on Temperature
• Troposphere
The troposphere, closest to the Earth’s surface, extends about 8 kilometers near the poles and up to 18 kilometers at the equator. The temperature in this layer decreases with altitude, following a fall rate of about 1 °C for every 165 meters of ascent. It hosts all the important weather events, which are important for meteorological studies.
• Stratosphere
The stratosphere extends about 50 kilometers above the troposphere. Unlike the troposphere, temperature increases with altitude due to the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by the ozone layer. This layer is important for aviation, as it lacks the turbulence prevalent in the troposphere.
• Mesosphere
Moving upwards, the mesosphere extends for about 80 kilometers. Extremely cold temperatures are experienced here, which drop to -100°C. Meteors disintegrate upon entering the mesosphere, giving the appearance of shooting stars. At the mesopause the mesosphere changes into the thermosphere.
• Thermosphere
Extending from the mesopause to about 640 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, the thermosphere is characterized by a rapid increase in temperature with altitude due to the interaction of solar radiation with altitude. Despite this, the molecules are sparse, resulting in negligible heat sensation.
• Ionosphere
Extending from 80 kilometers to 640 kilometers altitude above the mesopause, the ionosphere consists of free radicals or ionic particles. It acts as a reflective layer for radio waves and protects the Earth from meteors. Thermal layers within the ionosphere are separated by gradients known as discontinuities.
• Exosphere
The outermost atmospheric layer, the exosphere, extends for more than 640 kilometers. Here, gases are extremely rarefied, and electrically charged particles are prevalent. Hydrogen and helium dominate, whose molecules have enough kinetic energy to escape Earth’s gravitational pull and scatter into space.
Understanding the complex atmospheric structure facilitates scientific endeavors such as weather prediction, climate analysis, and advances in space exploration technology.
BRIEF SUMMARY
• Earth’s atmosphere is a mixture of gases surrounding the planet, arranged in layers with different densities and temperatures.
• Overview:
Knowing the environment helps us understand its behavior and impact on life. Let’s explore its layers.
• Uniformity-based layers:
1. Homosphere (Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere):
The gases are uniformly mixed, extending up to 88 km from the Earth, which include nitrogen, oxygen, etc.
2. Heterosphere (Ionosphere, Exosphere):
The gases are unevenly distributed, stratified by mass, dominated by nitrogen and oxygen.
• Layers based on temperature:
1. Troposphere:
Nearest to Earth, weather phenomena, temperature decreases with altitude.
2. Stratosphere:
Above the troposphere, temperatures increase with altitude due to the ozone layer.
3. Mesosphere:
Cold temperatures cause meteors to disintegrate, transitioning into the thermosphere.
4. External atmosphere:
Temperature increases rapidly with altitude due to solar radiation.
5. Ionosphere:
It contains free radicals, reflects radio waves, and protects against meteorites.
6. Exosphere:
The outermost layer, rare gases, is dominated by hydrogen and helium.