Final answer:
The Earth's atmosphere consists of five main layers: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. These layers have unique properties such as temperature gradients, the presence of the ozone layer, and varying densities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Properties of Earth's Atmospheric Layers
The Earth's atmosphere is composed of five main layers, each with distinct properties. These layers are as follows:
- Troposphere: 0-12 km above sea level, it contains about 80% of the atmosphere's mass and is where weather events occur. The temperature decreases with altitude.
- Stratosphere: 12-50 km, hosts the ozone layer which absorbs harmful ultraviolet B rays. Temperature increases with altitude due to ozone absorption.
- Mesosphere: 50-80 km, temperatures drop to the coldest in the atmosphere. Shooting stars and meteoroids burn up in this layer.
- Thermosphere: 80-700 km, temperature increases with altitude and can reach up to 2,500°C. This layer contains the ionosphere where solar UV radiation ionizes atoms.
- Exosphere: Above 700 km, this is the outermost layer where molecules escape into space. It has an extremely thin atmosphere.
The atmosphere's composition is mainly nitrogen and oxygen, and it plays a critical role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing solar radiation and moderating climate.