Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Atmosphere: The atmosphere of a terrestrial planet is an outermost series of layers that comprises gaseous phase elements within part of the planet’s gravitational field. For instance, the Earth’s atmosphere exists in the air spaces that are approximately 95 kilometers above the ground surface. And within it, are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. As of the date of this post, the exosphere and ionosphere are not part of the Earth’s gaseous envelope or atmosphere.

Order of Layers in the Earth’s Atmosphere

1. Troposphere

On Earth, the troposphere exists roughly 0 to 10 kilometers above mean sea level.

2. Stratosphere

The stratosphere exists roughly 10 to 50 kilometers above mean sea level on Earth.

3. Mesosphere

Earth’s mesosphere exists approximately 50 to 85 kilometers above mean sea level.

4. Thermosphere

The thermosphere starts at roughly 85 kilometers above mean sea level. As of the date of this post, there isn’t a clear understanding of the upper boundary of Earth’s thermosphere. However, it may terminate approximately 95 kilometers above mean sea level.

5. Exosphere

As of the date of this post, there isn’t a clear understanding of the lower or upper boundaries of Earth’s exosphere. However, it may commence approximately 95 kilometers above mean sea level, and terminate roughly around 190,000 kilometers above mean sea level. This distance is

Similar Posts

  • Normal Fault Definition

    Normal Fault Normal Fault: In the field of geology, a normal fault is a type of dip-slip fault where the hanging wall moves downwards from the footwall. The average dipping angle of a normal fault ranges from 45 to 90 degrees. Normal faults are the opposite of reverse faults. Detachment Fault Detachment Fault: A detachment…

  • Methane Mitigation Soil Gas Pressure Sensor

    Methane Mitigation Soil Gas Pressure Sensor Methane Mitigation Soil Gas Pressure Sensor: A Methane Mitigation Soil Gas Pressure Sensor is a device that measures and communicates sub-slab soil gas pressure to a methane control panel system. High levels of methane soil gas then trigger the integrated methane alarm system to notify occupants of danger. Much…

  • Well Log

    Well Log (Boring Log) Well Log: A geological well log (or boring log) is a detailed record of subsurface materials encountered during a drilling project. Boring logs, or well logs, are written by a geologist, and describe the physical subsurface characteristics and lithological units encountered during well-plotting. Well logs include information about depth, different formations,…

  • Phaneritic

    Phaneritic Definition In geology, the term Phaneritic applies to the texture of an igneous rock. A phaneritic plutonic rock has grains that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. In fact, this indicates there was a slower rate of magmatic cooling.

  • Transgression

    Transgression Transgression: In geology, the term transgression is the formation of a specific sequence of sedimentary and metamorphic layers, that are the result of ocean water advancing onto land. To illustrate, when transgression occurs over millions of years, geologists find a layer of sand, overlain by shale, and overlain again by limestone. The opposite of…