Final answer:
The atmosphere is divided into five layers based on their chemical composition: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
The atmosphere can be divided into five layers based on their chemical composition: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer and contains about 80% of the Earth's atmosphere by mass. It is where most weather events occur. The stratosphere is above the troposphere and contains the ozone layer, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The mesosphere is above the stratosphere and is the layer where meteors burn up. The thermosphere is above the mesosphere and contains the ionosphere, where the auroras occur. Finally, the exosphere is the highest layer and merges with outer space.