Term
|
Definition
| Thin layer of air that forms a protective covering around the planet |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| lowest of Earth's atmospheric layers. Contains 99% of of water vapor and 75% of atmospheric gases. Rain, snow and clouds occur in troposphere. Extends to about 10 km. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Layer directly above troposphere extends from 10km above Earth's surface to about 50 km. Contains ozone layer. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Within the stratosphere, about 19km to 48km above your head lies atmospheric layer called ozone layer. Each ozone molecule is made of three oxygen atoms. Although you cannot see the ozone layer, life depends on it. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| extends from top of stratosphere to about 85 km above earth. Shooting stars (meteors) usually take place here. It and thermosphere contain Ionosphere |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Named for high temperatures. Thickest atmospheric layer. Is found between 85 km above earth's surface to 500 km above earth's surface. It and mesosphere contain Ionosphere. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Within mesosphere and thermosphere. it is a thin layer of electrically charged particles. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Final layer before space. Has so few molecules that wings of space shuttles are useless, relies on bursts from small rocket thrusters to move around. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One of the many types of energy that can come to the earth from the sun. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Chemical compounds used in some refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosol sprays, and in the preparation of some foam packaging. If they leak into atmosphere they can cause hole in atmosphere. |
|
|
Term
| Air pressure/Atmospheric pressure |
|
Definition
| The weight of the atmospheric gases that Earth's gravity pulls towards the surface. As earth pulls the gases towards the surface, the gases press down on the air below. As a result the molecules nearer Earth's surface are closer together. This dense air exerts more force than the less dense air near the top of the atmosphere. Force exerted on the area is known as pressure. |
|
|
