The structure of the atmosphere

Created by: Trueblueburry
Created on: 20-04-15 09:37

Troposphere

Zone closest to the Earth. Most weather takes place here. Highest temperatures due to solar radiation. Air temperature drops by 6.4 degrees every 1000m up. Wind speed increases with altitude due to less frictional drag. Most unstable layer.

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Tropopause

This isothermal layer where the temperature remains constant as altitude increases. It marks the upper limit of the zone of weather and climate. Separates the Troposphere and the Stratosphere.

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Stratosphere

Characterised by its steady increase in temperature (temperature inversion) as a result of absorption of solar radiation by the ozone layer. The ozone absorbs UV radiation. The atmosphere is thinner in this zone as pressure decreases with height.

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Stratopause

Wind speeds decrease with height towards it. It is an isothermal layer. Separates the Stratosphere and the Mesosphere.

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Mesosphere

Temp declines rapidly to -90 degrees as there is no water vapour or dust to absorb radiation. Characterised by very strong winds (3,000 km/h).

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Mesopause

An isothermal layer that separates the Mesosphere and the Thermosphere.

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Theremosphere

Named because of the increase in temperature resulting from the absorption of UV radiation by atomic oxygen found at this altitude.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Tropopause

Back

This isothermal layer where the temperature remains constant as altitude increases. It marks the upper limit of the zone of weather and climate. Separates the Troposphere and the Stratosphere.

Card 3

Front

Stratosphere

Back

Card 4

Front

Stratopause

Back

Card 5

Front

Mesosphere

Back

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The structure of the atmosphere