Final answer:
Earth's atmosphere has five layers: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, listed in ascending order from the Earth's surface. The troposphere is where weather occurs and extends up to 6 miles, followed by the stratosphere, which reaches up to 31 miles and contains the ozone layer. Above these are the mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, which fade into space.
Step-by-step explanation:
List of Earth's Atmospheric Layers in Ascending Order
The Earth's atmosphere is structured into five distinct layers. Below is the list of the atmospheric layers in ascending order, their approximate heights above Earth's surface, and their main features:
- Troposphere: This is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending up to about 6 miles (10 km). The troposphere is where most of our weather occurs, and it contains the majority of the Earth's air mass. Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak, is situated within this layer.
- Stratosphere: The stratosphere stretches from about 6 miles (10 km) to 31 miles (50 km). It houses the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
- Mesosphere: Above the stratosphere is the mesosphere, reaching from 31 miles (50 km) to approximately 53 miles (85 km). It is the layer where most meteors burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere.
- Thermosphere: Extending from about 53 miles (85 km) to 600 miles (965 km), the thermosphere experiences high temperatures due to the absorption of high-energy radiation. The Northern Lights often occur in this layer.
- Exosphere: The outermost layer of the atmosphere, the exosphere extends from roughly 600 miles (965 km) above Earth and gradually fades into outer space. It has an extremely thin atmosphere with particles that can escape into space.
The troposphere and the stratosphere are the most crucial for Earth's climate and human activities. The majority of the ozone resides in the stratosphere, providing essential protection from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.