Layers of the Atmosphere Worksheet

Layers of the Atmosphere

Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful answers. Refer to your knowledge of Earth's atmosphere.

Observe the diagram below illustrating the layers of the Earth's atmosphere.

1. In which layer of the atmosphere does most weather occur?

2. Which atmospheric layer contains the ozone layer, which protects Earth from harmful UV radiation?

3. The coldest layer of the atmosphere is the  .

4. The   is characterized by increasing temperature with altitude due to the absorption of solar radiation by oxygen molecules.

5. Satellites and the International Space Station orbit within the  .

6. Explain the primary function of the ozone layer and what would happen if it were completely depleted.

7. Describe the temperature profile of the thermosphere and explain why it is considered hot, even though it would feel cold to a human.

8. The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere and gradually fades into outer space.

9. The ionosphere is a distinct layer separate from the thermosphere.

Match each atmospheric layer characteristic with its corresponding layer.