Science 8: Earth's Atmosphere

A mixture of gases that surrounds a planet or moon.

water in its gaseous form

the atmospheric layer closest to the earth's surface where nearly all weather occurs

the second layer of the atmosphere; extends from 10 to 30 miles up; location of ozone layer; absorbs 95% of Ultraviolet radiation; temperature increases with altitude increase.

The third layer of the atmosphere; the coldest layer

the region of the atmosphere above the mesosphere and below the height at which the atmosphere ceases to have the properties of a continuous medium. The thermosphere is characterized throughout by an increase in temperature with height.

the lower part of the thermosphere, where electrically charged particles called ions are found

Sometimes called Northern Lights. It is the result of the emissions of photons in the thermosphere

the outermost region of a planet's atmosphere.

The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves

Form of heat transfer where heat energy is directly transferred between molecules through molecular collisions or direct contact.

The transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a liquid or gas

describes whether circulating air motions will be strong or weak

occurs in the troposphere when temperature increases as altitude increases

the movement of air caused by differences in air pressure