There are 4 main layers of the atmosphere divided according to changes in temperature: 1) the troposphere, where weather occurs and airplanes fly, 2) the stratosphere, which contains the ozone layer protecting us from UV rays, 3) the mesosphere, the coldest layer where meteors burn up, and 4) the thermosphere, the hottest layer, within which are the ionosphere where radio waves bounce and the aurora borealis occurs, and the exosphere, which has no outer limit and blends into outer space.

1. Layers of the Atmosphere

2. There are 4 Main Layers of the
Atmosphere
• They are divided according to
changes in temperature!!

3. The Troposphere
• 0-12 km
• Where weather occurs!
• Airplanes fly here

4. The Stratosphere
• 12-50 km
• Gets warmer with altitude
because it contains the OZONE
LAYER!
• This protects us from UV Rays

5. The Mesosphere
• The Coldest Layer
• Meteors burn up here due to
friction.

6. The Thermosphere
• The lower Thermosphere =
Ionosphere
• The upper Thermosphere =
Exosphere
• The Hottest Layer

7. The Ionosphere
• Radio waves bounce off the ions.
• The Aurora Borealis occurs here.

8. The Exosphere
• Has no outer limit, it blends into
outer space.
• Satellites orbit here.

9. Review
• 1. The layers of the
atmosphere are classified
according to changes in what?
• 2. What are the 4 man layers
of the atmosphere.
• 3. Where does the aurora
borealis occur?

10. Aurora Borealis