Question

Describe the structure of the atmosphere based on the picture given above.

Answer 1

1. Troposphere (8 to 18 km):

   • Lowest layer of the atmosphere.

   • All weather phenomena (clouds, rain, storms) occur here.

   • Temperature decreases with height.

   • Aircrafts and balloons usually fly in this layer.

2. Stratosphere (up to 50 km):

   • Located above the troposphere.

   • Contains the ozone layer (20–50 km), which absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.

   • Ideal for jet aircrafts due to stable air and no weather disturbances.

3. Mesosphere (up to 80 km):

   • Temperature decreases rapidly with altitude.

   • Meteors burn up in this layer due to friction with atmospheric particles.

   • Coldest layer of the atmosphere.

4. Thermosphere / Ionosphere (up to ~400 km):

   • High temperatures due to absorption of solar radiation.

   • Contains electrically charged particles (ions) that reflect radio waves, enabling radio communication.

   • Space shuttles and satellites orbit in this layer.

5. Exosphere (above 400 km): 
   • Outermost layer where atmospheric particles are extremely sparse.
   • Gradually merges into outer space.
   • Contains very light gases like hydrogen and helium.