Download Cornell Notes - Atmoshpere

Name:
Date:
Class:
Topic: Layers of the Atmosphere
Essential Question:
Describe the composition of the Earth’s
atmosphere.
Atmosphere - the mixture of gases that surround and
protect the Earth from the sun’s radiation
● Acts as an insulator - a substance that not easily allows
the passage of heat or electricity.
Composition
● Nitrogen - (78%)
● Oxygen - (21%)
● Trace (other) Gases (1% ) Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor,
Argon,)
Air Pressure - the pressure exerted from the atmosphere due
to gravity.
● Air closer to the surface of the Earth is more dense and
heavier.
● Air further from the surface off the Earth is less dense
due to less gravity.
Layers of the Atmosphere
Determined by temperature and distance from the surface of
the Earth.
Troposphere (0 - 18km) closest to surface of the Earth
● Contains all of Earth's weather
● Most dense
● Temperature goes down as distance from Earth
increases
Stratosphere (18-50km) just above the Troposphere
● Contains the Ozone layer which absorbs and holds UV
energy and heat)
● Temperature increase as distance from Earth increases
● Jet streams - fast moving winds that jets use
Mesosphere (50- 80km) “middle sphere”
● Coldest layer
● Meteors (shooting stars)
Thermosphere (80 - 550km) furthest from Earth
● Highest Temperatures (2,000 degrees fahrenheit)
● Very “thin air”
● Contains Ionosphere (radio wave layer) and the Aurora
Borealis or Northern Lights
Exosphere
● Outermost layer
● Satellites orbit
● International Space station
Summary
Describe the composition of the atmosphere.
1. The atmosphere makes life possible on earth by
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2. These are the gasses in our atmosphere
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3. The atmosphere protects us from
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4. The atmosphere keeps Earth’s temperatures
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