Skip to main content

Structure of Atmosphere

The Earth's atmosphere can be divided into several layers based on temperature changes with increasing altitude. These layers, known as atmospheric layers, have distinct characteristics and play essential roles in regulating climate, weather patterns, and other atmospheric processes. From the surface of the Earth upwards, the major layers of the atmosphere are:

1. Troposphere: The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to an average altitude of about 8-15 kilometers (5-9 miles). This layer contains the majority of the Earth's weather systems and is characterized by a decrease in temperature with increasing altitude. On average, the temperature in the troposphere decreases by about 6.5 degrees Celsius per kilometer.

2. Stratosphere: Above the troposphere is the stratosphere, which extends from the top of the troposphere to an altitude of about 50 kilometers (31 miles). The stratosphere is notable for containing the ozone layer, which absorbs much of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. As a result, the temperature in the stratosphere increases with altitude due to the absorption of solar energy by ozone.

3. Mesosphere: Beyond the stratosphere lies the mesosphere, extending from about 50 kilometers (31 miles) to approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) in altitude. In the mesosphere, the temperature decreases with increasing altitude, reaching extremely low temperatures.

4. Thermosphere: The thermosphere is situated above the mesosphere, extending from about 85 kilometers (53 miles) to about 600 kilometers (372 miles) above the Earth's surface. Although the density of gases in the thermosphere is low, it experiences extremely high temperatures due to the absorption of intense solar radiation. However, it would not feel hot to an object due to the low density of particles.

5. Exosphere: The outermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere is the exosphere, which starts around 600 kilometers (372 miles) above the Earth's surface and extends into space. The density of particles in the exosphere is extremely low, and the gases gradually disperse into space.

Each atmospheric layer has unique characteristics and influences various atmospheric phenomena. The separation of these layers is primarily due to the way temperature changes with altitude and the presence of specific chemical processes. Understanding the structure of the atmosphere is crucial for studying weather patterns, climate change, satellite orbits, and the interaction between the Earth and space.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Directive Principles of State Policy Constitution of India

The Constitution of India includes Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in Part IV (Articles 36-51). Unlike Fundamental Rights, which are justiciable and enforceable in courts, DPSPs are non-justiciable principles and guidelines for the government to formulate policies and make laws. They aim to establish social, economic, and political justice in the country and promote the welfare of the people. Although not enforceable by courts, they serve as a moral and political compass for the government. Here are some key provisions of the DPSP in the Constitution of India: 1. Promotion of Welfare: The state shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting, as effectively as it may, a social order in which justice, social, economic, and political, shall inform all institutions of national life (Article 38). 2. Social Justice: The state shall endeavor to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting a social order in which social, economic, and p...
Post a Comment
Read more

Communism, Socialism And Capitalism

Communism, socialism, and capitalism are three distinct economic and political ideologies that have influenced societies around the world. Here is an overview of each system: 1. Communism: Communism is an ideology that advocates for the abolition of private ownership of the means of production and the establishment of a classless society. In a communist system, all property and resources are collectively owned and controlled by the community or the state. The goal is to achieve equality and eliminate social classes. Communist theory is often associated with the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who envisioned a society where wealth is distributed according to one's needs. Historically, countries such as the Soviet Union, China, and Cuba have implemented communist systems, although the practical application has varied. 2. Socialism: Socialism is an ideology that aims to address social and economic inequality through the collective ownership and democratic control of the means...
1 comment
Read more

World Happiness Report

The Happiness Index, also known as the World Happiness Report, measures subjective well-being and happiness levels in countries around the world. It is an annual report published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) in collaboration with other organizations, including the Gallup World Poll. The Happiness Index uses various factors to assess happiness levels, including economic indicators, social support networks, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. The data is gathered through surveys conducted in different countries, where individuals self-report their level of happiness and satisfaction with life. The index ranks countries based on their happiness scores, with higher scores indicating greater levels of happiness and well-being. The report provides insights into the factors that contribute to happiness and offers policy recommendations for governments and policymakers to promote happiness and well-...
Post a Comment
Read more