Exploring the Atmosphere's Layers
9th Grade · Science · 45 min· Ngss Hs-ess2-4: Hs-ess2-4. use A Model To Describe How Variations In The Flow Of Energy Into And Out Of Earth’s Systems Result In Changes In Climate. [clarification Statement: Examples Of The Causes Of Climate Change Differ By Timescale, Over 1-10 Years: Large Volcanic Eruption, Ocean Circulation; 10-100s Of Years: Changes In Human Activity, Ocean Circulation, Solar Output; 10-100s Of Thousands Of Years: Changes To Earth's Orbit And The Orientation Of Its Axis; And 10-100s Of Millions Of Years: Long-term Changes In Atmospheric Composition.] [assessment Boundary: Assessment Of The Results Of Changes In Climate Is Limited To Changes In Surface Temperatures, Precipitation Patterns, Glacial Ice Volumes, Sea Levels, And Biosphere Distribution.]
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Learning Objective
I can evaluate how the unique properties of each atmospheric layer contribute to the regulation of Earth's climate.
- 1
The atmosphere is a unique reservoir that forms a protective boundary between outer space and the biosphere, where all life exists on Earth's surface.
- 2
The four layers of the atmosphere, based on temperature structure, are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.
- 3
The atmosphere maintains an energy balance through radiation, convection, and conduction, with greenhouse gases trapping longwave terrestrial radiation to keep Earth warm.
