What are the Layers of Atmosphere?

Layers of Atmosphere

Have you ever heard of rainbow pastry ? Or Have you ever tried a multilayer cake or a dessert? Perhaps, at least once you must have tried it. Now Imagine the Earth’s atmosphere in the same way. It is also arranged in the pattern of layers. There are 5 major layers of atmosphere. This includes troposphere, stratosphere , mesosphere , thermosphere and exosphere. Apart from this , some secondary layers of atmosphere can also be found.

Troposphere

This is the layer that contains all the air that is needed for the survival of plants and animals. It makes up for 99 percent of the water vapours and aerosols. The layer extends from the surface of the Earth to about 12 Kms in height. The elevation of the troposphere is lower at the poles and higher at the equator.Most of the airplanes that can be seen in the sky fly in this layer of atmosphere.

Stratosphere

This layer is also known as the home of the ozone layer. It is present approximately between 12 and 50 kilometres above the surface of the Earth.The temperature in this layer increases as we move up due to the presence of the UV radiation.Jet planes at times can be found flying in this layer of atmosphere.

Mesosphere

This is the layer that is approximately situated between 50 and 80 kilometres above the surface of the Earth. The layer gets colder with increasing altitude. The temperature at the top of this layer can reach upto -85 degree celsius. The coldest temperature within the Earth system can be found here. The highest clouds in the atmosphere of the Earth can also be found here. They are called noctilucent clouds. It is also the site where most of the meteors burn up.

Thermosphere

This layer is located between 80 and 700 kms above the surface of the Earth.The lower part of this layer contains the ionosphere.The temperature in this layer increases with the increase in altitude. The International Space Station can be found orbiting in this layer.

Exosphere

This layer of the atmosphere is located between 700 and 10,000 kms above the surface of the Earth. Weather phenomena are absent in this layer.Most of the Earth satellites can be seen orbiting in this layer.