Earth's Atmosphere Layers: Global View

  • Released Tuesday, December 9, 2003
  • Updated Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 8:47AM
  • ID: 20015

This is the standard definition version of the Earth's Atmosphere Layers - Global MPEG.

The Earth's layers of atmosphere differ in chemical composition and temperature. They combine to create a protective sheild that maintains our delicate energy balance essential for life on Earth. Most weather occures in the nearest layer, the troposphere (0-7 miles). The stratosphere is the level where jet airliners fly and the ozone layer resides (7-30 miles). Beyond that is the coldest part of the atmosphere, the mesosphere where only large helium balloons fly (30-50 miles). Finally, the thermosphere gradually fades into space (50-180 miles).


Credits

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab


You may also like...

Loading recommendations...