Joshua James researched the layers of the atmosphere. The document describes the six main layers - exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, and troposphere - defining each layer's distance from Earth's surface, temperature characteristics, and other key attributes.

1. September
21, 2012
Layers of the
Atmosphere
As Researched by
Joshua James
1

2. 2 September 21, 2012
Atmosphere Explained
 The envelope or bubble of gases that
surround the earth in rings.
 Air pressure and density decrease further
away from the earths surface
 Temperature provides the best metric to
distinguish layers

3. 3 September 21, 2012
Exosphere
 Outer most layer
 10,000 km from earths surface
 Comprised of Hydrogen and helium
 Particles rarely collide

4. 4 September 21, 2012
Thermosphere
 650 km from the earths surface
 Temperatures exceed 1,500
degrees Celsius
 Molecules travel 1 km before
colliding
 International Space Station
resides here

5. 5 September 21, 2012
Mesosphere
 85 km from earths surface
 Protects earth from meteors
 The top is coldest place on earth at -85 to
-100 degrees Celsius
 Ice clouds form

6. 6 September 21, 2012
Stratosphere
 51 km from earths surface
 Absorbs ultraviolet radiation
 Temperatures are -60 degrees Celsius
 Top temperatures are close to freezing

7. 7 September 21, 2012
Troposphere
 Begins at the earths surface
 Extends 9 km to 17 km
 Transfer of energy determines
temperature
 Lowest part is the warmest
 Responsible for 80% atmospheres mass