Share Atmosphere
Save to Folder
List the 5 layers of the atmosphere, from the lowest level to the highest.
Troposphere Stratosphere Mesosphere Thermosphere Exosphere
What is the atmosphere?
A layer of gasses that surround the earth.
What are the 3 purposes of Earth’s atmosphere?
1.Protect Earth from dangerous electromagnetic radiation 2. Create and control weather & climate 3. Provide gasses needed by plants and animals
What are the 2 main gasses found in earth’s atmosphere? What percentage of the atmosphere do they make up?
Nitrogen 78% Oxygen 21%
How is Nitrogen important to life on Earth?
Nitrogen is used by plants in growth and development
How is Oxygen important to life on Earth?
Oxygen is released into the atmosphere by plants as they photosynthesize
How is water vapor important to life on Earth?
Water Vapor moves through the water cycle which is responsible for moving water around the earth
How is Carbon Dioxide important to life on Earth?
Carbon Dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by green plants during photosynthesis
What happens to atmospheric pressure as you gain altitude (go higher into the atmosphere)?
Atmospheric pressure decreases the higher you go
What happens to atmospheric density as you gain altitude (go higher into the atmosphere)?
Atmospheric density decreases the higher up you go (molecules are closer together at lower levels and more spread out the higher you go).
Describe Cirrus clouds.
Cirrus clouds are high level, wispy, curly, & composed of ice crystals
Describe Cumulus Clouds.
Cumulus clouds are mid level, fluffy, dense, & mostly composed of water droplets
Describe Stratus clouds.
Stratus clouds are low level, layers like a blanket, & composed of water droplets
Describe Nimbus clouds.
Nimbus clouds extend through all levels & are rain & storm clouds
Where is the ozone layer located?
The ozone layer is located at the bottom of the stratosphere.
What are Van Allen Radiation Belts?
Located in the magnetosphere. Magnetic particles concentrate into belts or layers called Van Allen Radiation Belts
