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

  • Metamorphic Rock

    Metamorphic Rock Definition In the field of geology, the term “Metamorphic Rock” refers to a rock classification that is the result of the alteration of prior existing sedimentary rocks or igneous rocks. The alteration process is “metamorphosis, and can take place by various methods and environments. The metamorphosis process produces specific metamorphic rocks, on the…

  • 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…

  • Milliequivalent per liter

    Milliequivalent per liter Milliequivalent per liter (meq/L): A unit used to express the chemical equivalence of the concentration of solutes in a solution. It is calculated by dividing the concentration of a substance (in mg/L) by its equivalent weight. This measurement helps in understanding the reactive capacity of ions in the solution.

  • Seismology

    Seismology Seismology: (seis·mol·o·gy) a branch of geology and geophysics that relates to earthquakes, including but not limited to their causes, effects, hazards, and mitigation techniques.  Seismologists at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) use cutting-edge technology to measure seismic wave properties and geological hazards that trigger them or are triggered by them. In turn, seismology…

  • Effective Size (D10)

    Effective Size (D10) “Effective Size” (D10) is an engineering geology term. Effective Size represents a diameter that directly corresponds to the percentage, by weight, of grains that equal to 10% on the grain-size diagram. To illustrate, 10% of the soil sample particles are finer-grained, and 90% of the sample particles are coarser than the “effective…

  • Volcanology

    Volcanology Volcanology: Volcanology is a branch of geology that focuses on the study of volcanos. In volcanology, geologists conduct field and laboratory investigations to learn about continental, coastal, and submarine volcanic activities. In fact, volcanology ties into many other branches of geology. For instance, a volcanologist may study the geochemistry of igneous rocks, such as…