atmosphere(toposphere & stratosphere & mesosphere) Flashcards
toposphere
what is it
part of the atmospjere closest to earths surface [altitude = 10km]
toposphere characteristics
*gas particles close together
*is more than 70% of earths atmosphere
*high density
*regular temp(colder higher up)
*high oxygen concentration
*only layer with water vapor
*where most weather changes occur
stratosphere
what is it
second layer from earths surface [altitude=10~50km]
stratosphere characteristics
*air less dense(less gas particles)
stratosphere ozone layer/band
(in upper parts)
*absorbs UV rays
*traps enough heat to keep comfy temp
stratosphere UV radiation
too much UV rays can…
*skin cancer
*poor eyesight
*kills plankton
*damages photosynthesis
*affects life cycle(plants & animals)
mesosphere
what is it
third layer from earths surface [altitude = 50~80km]
mesosphere characteristics
*low density(few gase particles)
*temp range:0°~100°C(coldest part of atmosphere)
shooting stars
created in mesosphere
few particles provide friction to meteors entering atmosphere so they heat up then burn creating shooting stars
thermosphere
what is it
outermost layer [altitude = 80~350km]
thermosphere characteristics
*very low density
*satelites orbit just beyond level
aurora/northern lights
created in thermosphere
nitrogen + oxygen absorb solar radiation, irons become charged, ions light up sky in nothern region
the greenhouse effect
(Green House Gas)
trap solar radiation(CO2 & methone), atmosphere heats up
enhanced greenhouse effect
what is it
*human activity releases to much
*too much radiation trapped in atmosphere
*surface of earth heats up too quick
global warming
what is it & what does it lead to
continual increase in average global temps because of burning fossil fuels(carbon)
climate change, melting polar ice-caps, loss of biodiversity
