The Five Layers of the Atmosphere – Study Guide

Key Facts to Remember

The atmosphere is divided into 5 main layers based on height and temperature changes.

1. TROPOSPHERE (0 – 12 km)

Main Features:

• Closest layer to Earth’s surface

• Contains most of the air and water vapour

• All weather occurs here (rain, wind, clouds, storms)

• Temperature decreases as you go higher

Important Facts:

• Height: 0 to 12 kilometers • This is where we live and breathe • Weather patterns form here • Contains most atmospheric gases

2. STRATOSPHERE (12 – 50 km)

Main Features:

• Contains the ozone layer

• Protects Earth from sun’s harmful rays

• Airplanes fly in this layer

• Temperature increases with height

Important Facts:

• Height: 12 to 50 kilometers

• Ozone layer blocks UV radiation

• Very stable weather conditions

• Good for aircraft flight

3. MESOSPHERE (50 – 80 km)

Main Features:

• Middle layer of atmosphere

• Coldest part of all layers

• Meteors burn up here when entering Earth

• Temperature decreases with height

Important Facts:

• Height: 50 to 80 kilometers

• Temperatures can reach -90°C

• Creates “shooting stars” when meteors burn

• Protects Earth from space rocks

4. THERMOSPHERE (80 – 500 km)

Main Features:

• Very hot layer due to sun’s energy

• Contains auroras (northern and southern lights)

• Space shuttles orbit here • Very thin air

Important Facts:

• Height: 80 to 500 kilometers

• Can reach temperatures over 1000°C

• International Space Station orbits here

• Beautiful light displays occur here

5. EXOSPHERE (Above 500 km)

Main Features:

• Outermost layer of atmosphere

• Very thin air (almost no air molecules)

• Merges into outer space

• Satellites orbit here

Important Facts:

• Height: Above 500 kilometers

• Air molecules can escape to space

• Communication satellites located here

• Boundary between Earth and space

Quick Memory Tips:

Remember the order: “Tiger Says Meat Tastes Excellent”

• Troposphere
• Stratosphere
• Mesosphere
• Thermosphere
• Exosphere

Exam Practice Questions:

1. Which layer contains the ozone layer?
2. Where does all weather occur?
3. Which is the coldest layer?
4. Where do meteors burn up?
5. Which layer do satellites orbit in?

Answers: 1. Stratosphere 2. Troposphere 3. Mesosphere 4. Mesosphere 5. Exosphere