Earth is the third planet from the sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. The earth is surrounded by a blanketof air, which we call the atmosphere. The thickness of the atmosphere is only about 2% of earths thickness earths radius 6500km. However, 99 % of the total mass of the atmosphere is confined to the height of 32 km from the earth s surface. Changes in the composition of the earth s atmosphere can change what temperature the earth balances at, and thus effects the temperature of the earth. They also fill in a pie graph of the percent composition of the atmosphere and answer questions about air. Because water vapor is highly variable geographically, its excluded from this total. Because of the shallowness of the atmosphere, its motions over large areas are primarily horizontal. Constituent chemical formula molecular weight 12c12 fraction by volume in dry air total mass gm total atmosphere 28.
Earths modern atmosphere evolved over billions of years due to many different geologic processes. In other words, as altitude increases temperature decreases. Four distinct layers have been identified using thermal characteristics, chemical composition. Chapter 1 composition and structure of the atmosphere. The lower boundary of the atmosphere is considered to lie on earth s surface, the upper boundary is the gradational transition into space. Instead of eight large planets and a sun separated by virtually empty. In this video, we will check out the different layers of the atmosphere, including the troposphere. A look at earth s atmosphere, including its origins, composition, and characteristics. Atmosphere composition and structure notes the domain of air on the earth geography 9 atmosphere composition and structure earth is a unique planet because the life is found only on this planet. Atmospheric layers earths atmosphere is made up of layers that have distinct characteristics. Lets take a look at the composition of the earths atmosphere.
Compare the composition, properties and structure of earth s atmosphere to include mixtures of gases and differences in temperature and pressure within layers. Earths early atmosphere apparently contained far more co 2 than todays and little or no o 2. Atmospheric composition today, the dry atmosphere consists primarily of n 2 and diatomic oxygen o 2. Atmosphere, the gas and aerosol envelope that extends from the ocean, land, and icecovered surface of a planet outward into space. The composition of the atmosphere consists largely of two elements, oxygen and nitrogen. The earth s atmosphere the composition of earth s atmosphere. By comparison, venus has an atmosphere that is high in ammonia and other caustic gases. The atmosphere thus formed had a preponderance of hydrogen and little or no oxygen, so could not support life of the kind that we know on the.
Table 1 shows the composition of the atmosphere at ground level, given by walker 1977. Changing factors such as these result in a very small. Earths atmosphere earths atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding theplanet. The composition of the atmosphere is not static and it changes according to the time and place. Composition and structure of the earths atmosphere. The density of the atmosphere decreases outward, because the planets gravitational attraction, which pulls the gases and aerosols inward, is greatest close to the surface. Meteorology the science that studies the atmosphere and its processes. Based on the relative volumes of the gases in earth s atmosphere, nitrogen is actually more than 3 times more than oxygen. The atmosphere is divided into the thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, and troposphere, and the.
Changes in the composition of earth s atmosphere changes the values of energy absorbed and reflected by the atmosphere, shown in figure 1. In this layer, the higher up from earths surface you go, the colder it gets. Structure of the atmosphere north carolina climate office. The earths atmosphere its physics and dynamics kshudiram. The atmosphere of earth is the layer of gases, commonly known as air, that surrounds the planet earth and is retained by earths gravity.
The earths atmosphere is a course resource for atmospheric science. Compare the composition, properties and structure of earth s atmosphere to include mixture of gases and differences in temperature and pressure within layers. Basharat mushtaq the present condition and properties of earths atmosphere are one of the main reasons for earth to support life the atmosphere is the blanket of gases or vapours that surrounds the earth, and held together by the force of gravity. The thermal characteristics of the atmosphere are determined by contrasts in heat and temperature within four atmospheric layers fig. Some serves to evaporate water, either in the soil or in the leaves of plants, bringing water. Without the protective layer of gases that make up earth s atmosphere, the harsh conditions of the solar system would render the planet a barren, lifeless husk like the moon. Earths atmosphere the atmosphere is the thin envelope of gas molecules surrounding the earth. The atmosphere is also dynamic in the sense that its chemistry and physics are in. It goes all the way to 10,000 km above the earth s surface. Analyze and interpret data to compare and contrast the composition of earths atmospheric layers including the ozone layer and greenhouse gases. The earths atmosphere is a thin envelope of gases surrounding the solid planet, the hydrosphere, and biosphere. Helium in todays atmosphere the earths atmosphere is predominantly nitrogen 78% and oxygen 21%.
Ironically, it is the view of earth from the airless vacuum of space that provides us with a view of just how thin is the veil of atmosphere around the planet fig. Composition and structure of the atmosphere uci ess. Temperature, density, and viscosity ability to flow. The age of the earths atmosphere estimated by its helium. History of earths atmosphere i earth science visionlearning. This earth s atmosphere color by number consists of 10 questions covering the layers of earth s atmosphere troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, stratosphere, etc. Aston suspected that the early solar system was an important time for earths atmosphere, and indeed it was. The atmosphere can be defined as the relatively thin gaseous envelope surrounding the entire planet earth. Earth s atmosphere is made up of a combination of gases.
When that magma nears the surface, those gases are released into the surrounding air. Composition of the earth s atmosphere breathe in and you can appreciate that the earth s atmosphere has everything needed to support life on earth. Thickness of the atmosphere most of the atmospheric mass is confined in the lowest 100 km above the sea level. What are the three most abundant elements in the a the entire earth. Chapter 1 composition and structure of the atmosphere understanding weather and climate aguado and burt 12008 version atmo 0 definitions atmosphere the gases, droplets and particles surrounding the earths surface. Our knowledge about earths primordial atmosphere comes from studying the atmospheres of other planets and the composition of stars, as well as clues from the. The earth s atmosphere is essential to the protection and survival of the planet and its living organisms. These layers are the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, and the thermosphere. This the composition of the atmosphere worksheet is suitable for 8th 10th grade. The earth is unique in our solar system because it has an atmosphere that can support life. The atmosphere of earth is the layer of gases, commonly known as air, that surrounds the planet earth and is retained by earth s gravity. The atmosphere is concentrated at the earths surface and rapidly thins as you move upward, blending with space at about 100 miles above sea level.
From largest to smallest, earth s atmosphere composition contains nitrogen, oxygen, argon, co 2 and trace gases. It plays an especially important role in maintaining the temperature of the planet at a level comfortable for life in its present form. Atmosphere is a multilayered envelope of different gases just like a protective blanket surrounding the earth which holds up life on earth and saves it from harmful environment of outer space. The proportion of gases found in the atmosphere, changes with height. The composition of the earth article pdf available in chemical geology 675. The earths atmosphere its origin, composition and properties. The physical and chemical properties of the earths atmosphere introduction the earths atmosphere behaves as a dynamic. The atmosphere is a combination of gases that surround the earth. Because the troposphere is the lowest atmosphere layer, it contains 75 percent of the atmosphere s mass. The atmosphere is made up of different gases, water vapour and dust particles.
The composition of earth the earth is divided into several layers with different composition and physical properties. Core, mantle, and crust are divisions based on composition. Composition of the earths atmosphere universe today. The composition of the atmosphere can be explained by looking at volcanic activity, which is rather limited over earths surface today but was apparently widespread billions of years ago as the early earth cooled slowly from its primordial molten state.
A close relation has been established between the stages of evolution of organisms and variations in the chemical composition of th e earths atmosphere. Composition of earths atmosphere flashcards quizlet. Absorbs the energy from the sun, recycles water and other chemicals, protects us. The air has a special place among the conditions necessary for life. Temperatures can get extremely hot in the thermosphere. Atmosphere composition and structure the domain of air on the earth notes geography 9. The atmospheric composition focus area consists of research on the composition of earth s atmosphere, particularly of the troposphere and stratosphere, in relation to climate forcing, atmospheric ozone and aerosols, solar effects, air quality, and surface emissions of radiatively and chemically active source gases and particulates. Aug 20, 2019 figure \\pageindex1\ the earth s atmosphere credit. Breathe in and you can appreciate that the earths atmosphere has everything needed to support life on earth. Read this essay to learn about atmosphere, composition of atmosphere and energy balance in atmosphere. In this atmosphere worksheet, students identify the major components of the earth s atmosphere and write the percentage of each. The atmosphere is thin relative to the size of earth. Atmospheric composition focus area science mission directorate.
The atmosphere also contains chemicals which absorb heat from the earths surface and radiate it in all directions including back to the. The thickness of the atmosphere is only about 2% of earth s thickness earth s radius 6500km. The composition of the atmosphere worksheet for 8th 10th. The top of the mesosphere, called the mesopause, is the coldest part of earth s atmosphere, with temperatures averaging about minus. Feb 01, 2018 a look at earth s atmosphere, including its origins, composition, and characteristics. According to radiometric dating estimation and other evidence, earth formed over 4. Lets find out where these layers are located in relation to the earths surface and how they are affected by temperature. A view of the earth from space, looking from orbit beyond the exosphere, down through the layers of the thermosphere, mesosphere, and stratosphere, at a thick cloud layer topping the troposphere. This layer holds almost all of the water vapor in the atmosphere. The chemical composition of the atmosphere the earths atmosphere is a complex mixture of gases. Composition of the atmosphere north carolina climate office. This is where the clouds are located and airplanes fly at within this layer.
These changes are natural over relatively longer timescales 100,000 year cycles, but recent evidence suggests humans have affected the composition of earths atmosphere since the industrial revolution. Teacher guide including lesson plans, student readers, and. Draw crosssections of the earth that shows the layers both in terms of differing chemical composition and differing physical properties these dont have to be to scale. Some is returned as longwave infrared radiation, heating the atmosphere as the land surface warms. Methane is an important trace gas in earths atmosphere. The earths atmosphere was an extraordinary and unstable mixture of gases, yet i knew that it was constant in composition over quite long periods of time.
The atmosphere usually sits atop a denser, rocky crust or planetary core. With the issue of global warming occupying political and public interest, this volume supplies the necessary foundation for students to understand the controlling factors and physics behind atmospheric processes. Summarize the structure and composition of our atmosphere. The findings rest on the widely held theory that earths atmosphere was formed by gases released from volcanic activity on its surface. The physical and chemical properties of the earths atmosphere. Teacher background earth system research laboratory. Today, as during the earliest days of the earth, magma flowing from deep in the earth contains dissolved gases.
The earth s atmosphere protects and sustains the planet s inhabitants by providing warmth and absorbing harmful solar rays. Dec 31, 2015 atmosphere our planet earth is enveloped by a deep blanket of gases extending several thousands of kilometres above its surface. Therefore, the ozone layer protects life on earth from the harmful effects of solar radiation on a daily basis. The earth s atmosphere protects and sustains the planets inhabitants by providing warmth and absorbing harmful solar rays. Atmospheres can extend thousands of kilometers into space. Thermosphere the thermosphere is next and the air is very thin here.
Earths early atmosphere had a different composition than the modern atmosphere. In addition to containing the oxygen and carbon dioxide, which living things need to survive, the atmosphere traps the sun s energy and wards off many of the dangers of space. Atmospheric composition focus area science mission. Compared to the earths radius, the atmosphere appears to be only a very thin layer of gases. The crust makes up less than 1 percent of earth by mass, consisting of oceanic crust and continental crust is often more felsic rock. As volcanic material cooled, gases were released through the process of outgassing, which. Composition and structure of the earths atmosphere clear ias. The permanent gases whose percentages do not change from day to day are nitrogen, oxygen and argon. The major components of nitrogen, oxygen, and argon remain constant over time and space, while trace components like co 2 and water vapor vary considerably over both space and time. The troposphere is the layer closest to the surface of earth. Nearly all life and all weather occur in this layer. The amount of methane in the atmosphere is the result of a balance between production on the surface. Mar 09, 2009 breathe in and you can appreciate that the earths atmosphere has everything needed to support life on earth. Like land lithosphere and water hydrosphere, the atmosphere is an integral part of the earth.
The mantle is hot and represents about 68 percent of earths mass. Nasagoddard composition of the atmosphere except for water vapor, whose atmospheric abundance varies from practically zero up to 4%, the fractions of the major atmospheric components n 2, o 2, and ar are remarkably uniform below about 100 km table \\pageindex1\. The atmosphere is concentrated at the earths surface and rapidly thins as you move upward, blending with space at roughly 100 miles above sea level. It is composed of approximately 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen and one percent other gases water vapor and carbon dioxide. Atmosphere our planet earth is enveloped by a deep blanket of gases extending several thousands of kilometres above its surface.
Generally, atmosphere extends up to about 1600 km from the earth s surface. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Earth s atmosphere protects us from incoming space projectiles comets, asteroids that burn up before reaching the planet s surface, and blocks harmful short wavelength radiation from the sun. The atmosphere is actually very thin compared to the size of the earth, equivalent in thickness to a piece of paper laid over a beach ball. The atmosphere of earth protects life on earth by creating pressure allowing for liquid water to exist on the earth s surface, absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation, warming the surface through heat retention greenhouse effect, and reducing temperature. It reaches over 560 kilometers fromthe surface of the earth. The earth s atmosphere is divided up into 5 major layers.
This gaseous cover of the earth is known as the atmosphere. Earths layers are made of different mixtures of elements. The chemical composition of the earth article pdf available in earth and planetary science letters 434. Composition of the present atmosphere the atmosphere is composed of a mix of several different gases in differing amounts. The atmosphere of earth protects life on earth by creating pressure allowing for liquid water to exist on the earths surface, absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation, warming the surface through heat retention, and reducing temperature extremes between day and night. The atmospheric chemistry studies the chemical composition of the natural atmosphere, the way gases, liquids, and solids in the atmosphere interact with each other and with the earth s surface and associated biota, and how human activities may be changing the chemical and physical characteristics of the atmosphere. Teacher note the earth is surrounded by a blanket of air called the atmosphere. The earths atmosphere is composed of a layer of gases that encase the planet and that are constrained by gravitational forces. Could it be that life on earth not only made the atmosphere, but also regulated it keeping it at a constant composition, and at a. In the hurlyburly chaos following the formation of the solar system 4. Earth s atmosphere is composed of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 0. Diatomic nitrogen is a stable gas that comprises 78% of the presentday atmospheric volume table 2.
The composition and structure of earth physical geography. Trace amounts of other gases play a critical role in the atmosphere. However, 99 % of the total mass of the atmosphere is confined to the height of 32 km from the earths surface. Readeach slide, then decide what you need to use for your notes some slides are just facts others are for the blanks. Generally, atmosphere extends up to about 1600 km from the earths surface. Nitrogen accounts for 78% of the atmosphere, oxygen 21% and argon 0. Because of the shallowness of the atmosphere, its motions over.
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