1.2.5.1 Atmosphere

Definition: The gaseous mass or envelop surrounding the Earth, retained by the Earth's gravitational feild. The atmosphere extends from the Earth's surface (commonly called the atmospheric boundry layer) to an altitude of about 110 miles (660 km). The atmosphere is divided into layers based on how the temperature varies with altitude.

Definition Source: Introduction to Space Science

Atmosphere Categories:

1.2.5.1.1 Exosphere: The layer of the Earth's atmosphere above 300 km defined by a constant temperature of about 1500 degrees Kelvin as a function of altitude. (Definition Source: Introduction to Space Science)

1.2.5.1.2 Mesosphere: The layer of the Earth's atmosphere between 50-90 km defined by a nearly linear deacrease in temperature as a function of altitude. The temperature bottoms out at about 180 degrees Kelvin between 80-90 km. (Definition Source: Introduction to Space Science)

1.2.5.1.3 Stratosphere: The layer of the Earth's atmosphere between 10-50 km defined by an exponential increase in temperature as a function of altitude. The temperature peaks at about 270 degrees Kelvin at approximately 50 km. The ozone layer lies in the stratosphere. (Definition Source: Introduction to Space Science)

1.2.5.1.4 Thermosphere: The layer of the Earth's atmosphere between 90-300 km defined by an exponential increase in temperature as a function of altitude. The temperature peaks at about 1500 degrees Kelvin at about 300 km. (Definition Source: Introduction to Space Science)

1.2.5.1.5 Troposphere: The layer of the Earth's atmosphere between 0-10 km defined by a linear decrease in temperature as a function of altitude. The temperature bottoms out at about 220 degrees Kelvin at approximately 10 km. Most (90%) of the Earth's atmosphere lies within the Troposphere. (Definition Source: Introduction to Space Science)