Layers of the Atmosphere

1. What is the basis for dividing the atmosphere into four layers?
The atmosphere can be divided into four layers based on temperature variations.

2. Does the temperature increase or decrease with altitude in the:
Troposphere - decreases
Stratosphere - increases
Mesosphere - decreases
Thermosphere – increases

3. What is the approximate height and temperature of the:

Tropopause - approximate height = 12 km, approximate temperature = -5 degrees Celsius
Stratopause - approximate height = 50 km, approximate temperature = -2 degrees Celsius
Mesopause - approximate height = 80 km, approximate temperature = -79 degrees Celsius

4. What causes the temperature to increase with height through the stratosphere and decrease with the height through the mesosphere?


Ozone absorbing ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes the temperature to increase with height in the stratosphere.


The mesosphere does not absorb solar heat, so the temperature decreases with height.

5. What causes the temperature to decrease with height in the troposphere?
The troposphere is heated by the transfer of energy from the surface of the Earth. The lowest part of the troposphere is the warmest and the temperature decreases with height.