Earth's Atmosphere: Structure, Function, and Life Support

It provides oxygen for breathing

It traps heat to keep Earth warm enough for organisms to survive

It protects us from harmful solar radiation and cosmic rays

It creates the weather patterns that shape our world

Shields Earth from ultraviolet radiation

Maintains temperatures suitable for life

Provides oxygen for respiration

Allows all weather phenomena to occur

Troposphere

Stratosphere

Mesosphere

Exosphere

To avoid turbulence and storms

To save fuel by flying higher

To be closer to the ozone layer

To avoid ultraviolet radiation

Mesosphere

Thermosphere

Ionosphere

Exosphere

It overlaps the top of the mesosphere and bottom of the thermosphere

It is rich in ions formed by solar radiation

It is where auroras occur

It contains the highest concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere

Mesosphere decreases, Thermosphere increases

Stratosphere decreases, Exosphere increases

Troposphere increases, Thermosphere decreases

Ionosphere increases, Mesosphere increases

Photosynthesis by cyanobacteria

Formation of oceans

Condensation of water vapor

Emergence of multicellular organisms

Polar front

Storm track

Ozone formation

Weather variability

Troposphere

Stratosphere

Thermosphere

Mesosphere

Protection from harmful solar radiation.

Gaseous "blanket" that can help keep heat in and around the geosphere.

Holds us to the surface of Earth.

Protects us from small meteoroid by burning them up from friction.

Provides us with sunshine and warmth

Protects humans from radiation

Protects us from aliens

Creates and controls weather and climate