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Atmospheric Structure

            
             The gaseous area surrounding the planet is divided into several concentric spherical strata (31k jpeg) separated by narrow transition zones. The upper boundary at which gases disperse into space lies at an altitude of approximately 1000 km above sea level. More than 99% of the total atmospheric mass is concentrated in the first 40 km from Earth's surface. .
             Atmospheric layers are characterized by differences in chemical composition that produce variations in temperature. .
             Troposphere .
             The troposphere (14k jpeg) is the atmospheric layer closest to the planet and contains the largest percentage of the mass of the total atmosphere. It is characterized by the density of its air and an average vertical temperature change of 6 degrees Celsius (C) per kilometer. .
             Temperature and water vapor content in the troposphere decrease rapidly with altitude. Water vapor plays a major role in regulating air temperature because it absorbs solar energy and thermal radiation from the planet's surface. The troposphere contains 99 % of the water vapor in the atmosphere. Water vapor concentrations vary with latitudinal position. They are greatest above the tropics, where they may be as high as 3 %, and decrease toward the polar regions. .
             All weather (23k jpeg) phenomena occur within the troposphere, although turbulence may extend into the lower portion of the stratosphere. Troposphere means "region of mixing" and is so named because of vigorous convective air currents within the layer. .
             The upper boundary (18k jpeg) of the layer ranges in height from 8 km in high latitudes, to 18 km above the equator. Its height also varies with the seasons; highest in the summer and lowest in the winter. A narrow zone called the tropopause separates the troposphere from the next highest layer called the stratosphere. Air temperature within the tropopause remains constant with increasing altitude. .
             Stratosphere .
             The stratosphere (22k jpeg) is the second major strata of air in the atmosphere.


Essays Related to Atmospheric Structure

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... Martian Atmosphere The Martian atmosphere is very thin and made of carbon dioxide (95.3%), nitrogen (2.7%), argon (1.6%), and traces of oxygen and water. The atmospheric pressure is so low that it is less than 1% of Earth's. Mars does have a greenhouse effect but it only raises surface temperatures by 5*K ... highlands cover almost 2/3 of the surface (Mars Academy). Large storms and strong winds occur here because the heat from the Sun creates an atmospheric turbulence. The most distinctive features of the Northern Hemisphere are the low-lying plains. Some of these formed from lava flows....

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2. Mirages

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3. Art History Exam Study Guide

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6. Climate Change and Environmental Protection

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9. Industrial Revolution

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