What are the layers of the atmosphere?

Introduction to the Atmosphere00:00:01

The atmosphere is a vital, thin layer of gases surrounding Earth, composed of 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, and 1% other gases. It protects life from the sun's harmful radiation and keeps Earth warm through the Greenhouse Effect.

The Troposphere: Where Weather Happens00:00:43

The atmosphere is divided into four main temperature-based layers. The troposphere is the lowest layer, extending up to 10km, where all weather occurs and most clouds form, containing 99% of the atmosphere's water. Air temperature decreases with altitude in this layer.

The Stratosphere: Home of the Ozone Layer00:01:13

Above the troposphere, the stratosphere extends to about 50km and contains the ozone layer. This layer absorbs high-energy UV light from the sun, converting it into heat, which causes the air to warm with increasing altitude.

The Mesosphere: Coldest Layer00:01:31

The mesosphere, above the stratosphere, reaches heights of around 80km. It is the coldest atmospheric layer, with temperatures dropping to -100 degrees Celsius, and is where most meteors burn up.

The Thermosphere: Auroras and Space Station00:01:53

The thermosphere is the highest layer, extending between 500km and 1000km. Despite extremely high temperatures (500-2000°C), the air is so thin that it doesn't feel hot. Auroras and the International Space Station are found in this layer.