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Composition and structure of the atmosphere

The atmosphere is a gaseous layer surrounding the Earth, characterized by momentum, pressure, and the regulation of heat. It consists mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, with various other gases and particles present, and plays crucial roles in supporting life, retaining warmth, and protecting against harmful solar radiation. The atmosphere is structured in four thermal layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere, each with distinct characteristics and temperature variations.

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6 views

Composition and structure of the atmosphere

The atmosphere is a gaseous layer surrounding the Earth, characterized by momentum, pressure, and the regulation of heat. It consists mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, with various other gases and particles present, and plays crucial roles in supporting life, retaining warmth, and protecting against harmful solar radiation. The atmosphere is structured in four thermal layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere, each with distinct characteristics and temperature variations.

Uploaded by

anjanathms82
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Composition and structure of the atmosphere

• The atmosphere exists in the gaseous state


• in the gaseous state the atmosphere is characterised by momentum and pressure
• it regulates the heat around us

blanket of air
• the blanket of air surrounding the earth is known as the atmosphere
• atmosphere layers become thinner at higher altitudes therefore one finds it difficult to
breathe as one goes up
• this is because less air is pressing down from above
• the atmosphere protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays of the
sun.
• Half of the total mass of air is found below 5 kilometre touching the surface of the
earth which is held close to the earth by gravity.
Uses-
1. has life supporting gases
2. helps in retaining the necessary warmth on the earth and
3. helps in the circulation of water vapour the source of rainfall
4. protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays of the sun

composition of the atmosphere


• a clean dry sample of air is made-up of 78% of nitrogen and 21% of oxygen
• oxygen gas helps in burning and breathing and most living things cannot survive
without it
• nitrogen is a colourless inert gas and has no taste or smell
• it dilutes the oxygen and slows down the process of oxidation
• the gases are insignificant with respect to weather phenomena.
• The remaining 1% of air is made-up of number of gases
• these include carbon dioxide, water vapor, helium, hydrogen, argon etc...
• Some particles like pollen from plants, the dust from dust storms, ash from
meteorites and volcanic eruptions, smoke from fire and salt particles from sea are
also present in the lower layers of the atmosphere

Functions of the atmosphere (any 3)


• air has weight and exerts pressure be pressed down it always remains in contact
with land and water
• due to their physical contact exchange of gases between air land and water takes
place on a continuous basis
• soil absorbs oxygen and nitrogen due to this contact water vapours in air rise from
oceans on account of evaporation
• carbon dioxide in air helps in absorption of heat and keep the earth warm at night
• because of its composition the atmosphere is the most dynamic entity large masses
of air are being moved up and down across the surface of the earth
• energy of the sun is responsible for keeping the atmosphere in the dynamic state
Structure of the atmosphere
• Upper layers press down the lower ones
• so, the air of the lower layer is always heavier or denser while the upper layers are
thinner or less dense.
• 90% of the mass of the air lies within a height about 20 kilometres from the surface
• on the basis of characteristics of temperature and air pressure there exists 4 thermal
layers of the atmosphere namely-- troposphere stratosphere mesosphere and
thermosphere
• the thermosphere is again divided into ionosphere and exosphere.

1. Troposphere
• Extent : the troposphere is the lowermost and densest layer of the atmosphere. Its
height varies from 18 kilometres at the equator to 8 kilometres at the poles.
Characteristics:
• 75% of the atmosphere is found in the troposphere.
• Normal lapse rate: The troposphere is characterized by a regular decrease in
temperature with altitude, known as the normal lapse rate. The average decrease is
1°C per 166 meters of altitude gain.
• Weather phenomena: Temperature variations within the troposphere cause
turbulences and disturbances, resulting in weather phenomena.
• This layer is heated from below, not above.
• The upper limit of the troposphere is called the tropopause.
2. stratosphere
• Extent: this layer lies above the tropopause.it extends to a height of 50 km from sea
level.
Characteristics:
• The air is thin, cold and dry.the temperature is about -55degree C
• The ozone layer is generally found between the altitudes 20 and 50 km
• Temperature increases with height
• It is ideal for flying jet aircraft as the lower layer of stratosphere has a virtual absence
of water vapour and has constant temperature condition
• temperature rises from -60°C at the base of the stratosphere to 0°C at stratopause.
• the upper limiter stratosphere is known as stratospause.
3. Mesosphere
Extent: this layer lies above the stratosphere and extends to a height of 80 kilometre
from ground level
characteristics :
• the mesopause is the upper limit of this layer
• its temperature is a minimum of -110°C
• temperature in this layer decreases with height
• due to deflected sunlight from meteoric dust particles there are wispy clouds
found in this layer

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