Earth’s Atmosphere

There are five layers of Earth’s atmosphere

1. Troposphere: This layer is extended up to 12 kilometers from the surface of earth. It
contains weather, wind, clouds, Oxygen (21%), Nitrogen (78%) and other gases (1%).

2. Stratosphere: This layer is located between 12 to 50 kilometers from the surface of the
earth. It contains the Ozone gas layer which protects us from harmful effects of Ultra
violet radiation from the Sun. There is no clouds or weather there. It is also the highest
part of atmosphere where Jet planes can reach.

3. Mesosphere: This layer is located between 50 to 80 kilometers from the surface of

earth. Temperature is minus 85 degrees Celsius. Very scarce water vapor present here.
Sounding Rockets and Rocket-powered aircraft can reach there.

4. Thermosphere: Located between 80 to 700 kilometers above the surface of the earth.
No cloud or Vapor present here. International Space Station Orbits in this layer. The
aurora sometimes seen here.

5. Exosphere: Located between 700- 10,000 kilometers above earth’s surface. This is the
highest layer of atmosphere and its top marches with the solar wind. No weather, aurora
seen here. Most Earth Satellites orbit in the Exosphere.