Earth's Atmosphere

1 - Weather in the Earth Systems

The atmosphere, geosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere all interact with each other affecting the whole planet.

Energy from the sun is added to the Earth system and the movement of this energy causes weather.

2 - Composition of Earth’s Atmosphere 

Aerosols are microscopic solid particles in the atmosphere that came from natural and human processes.

The following gases make up our atmosphere:

Nitrogen 78%,

oxygen 21%, 

argon / carbon dioxide / aerosols 1%

3 - Structure of Earth’s Atmosphere 

The layers of the atmosphere starting on Earth's surface and extending into outer space are as follows: Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere

Scientists use composition, distance between particles, and temperature to determine the layers of the atmosphere.

The thinnest layer of our atmosphere is the troposphere and the thickest layer is the exosphere.

4 - Elements of Weather 

Weather is what is happening in the atmosphere at a specific place and time.

Climate is weather patterns in a region over a long period of time.

These are the following measurable factors that determine weather: air temperature, air pressure, wind, humidity, and precipitation