Topic 4: Unit-4 Flashcards
ATMOSPHERE -- Mesosphere (7 cards)
What is the mesosphere?
The third layer of the atmosphere, located above the stratosphere, extending from about 50 km to 80 km above Earth.
Mesosphere air density?
The air is extremely thin (less dense) and very cold , dropping to -90C in the higher layers
Why is the mesosphere the coldest layer?
Because it lacks ozone and other gases that can absorb and retain heat, leading to temperatures as low as -90°C
How does temperature change in the mesosphere?
Temperature decreases rapidly with altitude, making it the coldest layer of the atmosphere.
What is the mesopause?
The boundary between the mesosphere and the thermosphere, marking the coldest point in the atmosphere where temperature stops decreasing.
What are meteors and how are they related to the mesosphere?
The mesosphere is the layer where meteors burn up upon entering the atmosphere due to friction with the denser air particles.
What are meteorites?
Meteorites are pieces of meteors that enter the Earth’s atmosphere and survive the journey, hitting the Earth’s surface. They are made of rock or metal from space.
