Earth's Atmosphere

The Earth's atmosphere is a layer of gases that surrounds the planet and is held in place by the force of gravity. It is composed of several different gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide, as well as trace amounts of other gases. The atmosphere plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth by regulating the climate, protecting living organisms from harmful solar radiation, and providing the air we breathe.

Composition of the Atmosphere

The Earth's atmosphere is primarily composed of:

• Nitrogen (N₂) - 78%
• Oxygen (O₂) - 21%
• Argon (Ar) - 0.93%
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) - 0.04%
• Trace Gases (neon, helium, methane, krypton, hydrogen, and more) - < 0.1%

Layers of the Atmosphere

The Earth's atmosphere is divided into five main layers:

1. Troposphere
2. Stratosphere
3. Mesosphere
4. Thermosphere
5. Exosphere

Functions of the Atmosphere

The atmosphere serves several important functions:

• Protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful solar radiation
• Regulates the planet's temperature through the greenhouse effect
• Supports weather patterns and the water cycle
• Provides the air we breathe, containing the oxygen necessary for life

Study Guide

When studying the Earth's atmosphere, be sure to focus on the following key points:

1. Composition of the atmosphere and the relative proportions of its main gases
2. The layers of the atmosphere and their characteristics
3. The functions of the atmosphere and its importance for life on Earth
4. The impact of human activities on the composition and functioning of the atmosphere

Understanding the Earth's atmosphere is crucial for comprehending various environmental and climatic phenomena, as well as the interconnectedness of Earth's systems.

[Earth's Atmosphere] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Introduction to earth scienceScience • Sixth Grade
• Earth's freshwater and atmosphereScience • Fifth Grade
• Weather and ClimateScience • Fourth Grade