Summarise the characteristics of the five (5) layers of the Earth’s atmosphere:

- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
- Exosphere

The first layer of the Earth’s atmosphere is known as the Troposphere. The troposphere is the region
extending from the Earth’s surface to 12 kilometres in height. This shallow layer of the atmosphere holds
the air required for life, containing approximately 99% of all water vapour and aerosols. Most of Earth’s
weather occurs here. The next layer is known as the Stratosphere. The stratosphere is approximately
located 12 to 50 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. The stratosphere is known for containing the
Earth’s ozone layer, protecting us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Following the stratosphere is
the third layer known as the mesosphere. The mesosphere is located approximately 50 to 80 kilometres
above the Earth’s surface. The mesosphere becomes progressively colder as the altitude increases, with an
average temperature of around minus 85 degrees celsius. Most meteors break up in this layer. The fourth
layer is known as the thermosphere. The thermosphere is the layer of atmosphere located between 50 to
700 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. This layer is known for the aurora borealis and aurora australis.
The International Space Station is located in this atmosphere. The final layer is the exosphere, located
between 700 to 10,000 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. There is no weather located in this layer,
particles in this layer of atmosphere escape into space.