Atmospheric Layers Explained

Atmospheric Layers Explained

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Refer to the provided diagram if necessary.

Figure 1: Earth's Atmospheric Layers

1. In which atmospheric layer does most weather occur?

2. Which layer contains the ozone layer, protecting Earth from harmful UV radiation?

3. The   is the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, where the atmosphere thins out and merges with outer space.

4. Meteors typically burn up in the   due to friction with atmospheric gases.

5. The temperature in the thermosphere can reach extremely high values, but it would not feel hot to a human because of the low   of the gas molecules.

6. The temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude in the stratosphere.

7. The ionosphere is a distinct atmospheric layer separate from the thermosphere.

8. Describe the primary function of the ozone layer and explain its importance to life on Earth.

9. Explain why the temperature profile of the thermosphere is misleading when considering its effect on a human body.

Match each atmospheric layer with its primary characteristic or phenomenon.