What is the sequence of strata of atmosphere and on what factors does it depends?
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| What is the sequence of strata of atmosphere and on what factors does it depends |
The
Earth's atmosphere can be divided into several layers based on variations in
temperature with altitude. From the Earth's surface upward, the sequence of
atmospheric layers is as follows:
1. Troposphere: This is the layer closest to the
Earth's surface, extending up to an average altitude of about 12 kilometers
(7.5 miles) at the poles and 18 kilometers (11 miles) at the equator. It is the
layer where weather phenomena occur, such as clouds, storms, and precipitation.
As you go higher in the troposphere, the temperature generally decreases with
altitude.
2. Stratosphere: Above the troposphere lies the
stratosphere, extending up to approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) above the
Earth's surface. In this layer, the temperature generally increases with
altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters
solar ultraviolet radiation.
3. Mesosphere: The mesosphere extends from the
top of the stratosphere to about 85 kilometers (53 miles) above the Earth's
surface. In this layer, the temperature starts decreasing again with altitude,
reaching extremely cold temperatures.
4. Thermosphere: Above the mesosphere is the
thermosphere, which extends to about 500 kilometers (311 miles) above the
Earth's surface. In this layer, the temperature increases significantly with
altitude due to the absorption of high-energy solar radiation.
5. Exosphere: The exosphere is the outermost
layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending far beyond the thermosphere. It
gradually merges with the space environment and consists mainly of low-density
gases.
Factors
that influence the layering and characteristics of the Earth's atmosphere
include:
1. Temperature and Pressure: As you go higher in
the atmosphere, the temperature and pressure change due to variations in solar
heating and the decreasing weight of the overlying air.
2. Composition of Gases: The distribution and
abundance of different gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and
trace gases like argon and methane, vary with altitude.
3. Solar Radiation: The absorption of solar
radiation by different atmospheric components plays a crucial role in
determining temperature profiles in the various layers.
4. Ozone Layer: The presence of the ozone layer
in the stratosphere significantly affects the temperature distribution and
protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
5. Earth's Magnetic Field: The Earth's magnetic
field interacts with the solar wind and influences the behavior of certain
charged particles in the upper atmosphere.
6. Atmospheric Circulation: Global wind patterns
and atmospheric circulation drive the transport of heat, moisture, and
pollutants, influencing the characteristics of each layer.
7. Human Activities: Human activities, such as
the release of greenhouse gases, aerosols, and pollutants, can impact the
composition and dynamics of the atmosphere, leading to phenomena like global
warming and climate change.
Understanding
these factors and the layering of the atmosphere is essential for comprehending
weather patterns, climate dynamics, and the overall functioning of the Earth's
environment.