Top of Atmosphere

Vertical Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere 

What is the atmosphere? The atmosphere is a gaseous layer that surrounds Earth and protects it from the vacuum of space. It comprises 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases. The atmosphere has five main layers: the exosphere, the thermosphere, the mesosphere, the stratosphere, and the troposphere. Composition of Atmosphere The composition of Earth’s …

What is the Stratosphere?

The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere. It extends from the top of the troposphere (12 km = 7 miles) to about 50 kilometers (31 miles) above Earth’s surface. The Sun’s ultraviolet radiation heats the stratosphere. This layer contains the ozone layer, which protects Earth from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Some facts …