Layers present in Atmosphere
In this article we are going to learn about the different types of layers in atmosphere.
Troposphere: It is the atmospheric layer between the earth's surface and an altitude of 8 km at the poles and 18 km at the equator. The thickness is greater at the equator, because the heated air rises to greater heights. The troposphere ends with the tropopause. The temperature in this layer, as one goes upwards, falls at rate of 6.5°C per kilometre, and reaches -45°C at the poles and -80°C over the equator at tropopause The troposphere is marked by temperature inversion, turbulence and eddies. It is also meteorologically the most significant zone in the entire atmosphere. It is also called the convective region, since all convection stops at tropopause. The troposphere is the theatre for weather because all cyclones, anti-cyclones, storms and precipitation occur here, as all water vapours and solid particles lie within this. The troposphere is influenced by seasons and jet streams.
2. Stratosphere: It lies beyond troposphere, up to an altitude of 50 km from the earth's surface. The temperature in this layer remains constant for some distance but then rises to reach a level of 0°C at 50 km altitude this rise is due to the presence of ozone. Sometimes, cirrus clouds are present at lower levels in this layer.
3. Ozonosphere: It lies at an altitude between 30 km and 60 km from the earth's surface and spans the stratosphere and mesosphere. Because of the presence of ozone molecules, this layer reflects the harmful ultraviolet radiation. The ozonosphere is also called chemosphere because, a lot of chemical activity goes on here. The temperature rises at a rate of 5°C per kilometre through the ozonosphere.
4. Mesosphere: This is an intermediate layer beyond the ozone layer and continues up to an altitude of 80 km from the earth's surface. The temperature gradually falls to -100°C at 80 km altitude.
5. Ionosphere: This layer is located between 80 km and 400 km and is an electrically charged layer. This layer is characterised by ionisation of atoms. Because of the electric. charge, radio waves transmitted from the earth are reflected back to the earth by this layer. Temperature again starts increasing With height because of radiation from the sun.
6. Exosphere: This is the uppermost layer of the atmosphere extending beyond the ionosphere above a height of about 400 km. The air is extremely rarefied and the temperature gradually increases through the layer.
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