A Field Guide to the Atmosphere (Houghton, 1983). Allen, O.E. A body is more likely to retain an atmosphere over time if gravity is high and the temperature of the atmosphere is low. Air Pressure & Altitude; Atmosphere Physical Process. We hope you and your family enjoy the NEW Britannica Kids. Britannica does not review the converted text. The total mass of the atmosphere is estimated to be some 5.5 quadrillion (55 followed by 14 zeros) tons (4.99 quadrillion metric tons). Layers of the atmos… The atmosphere is the layer of gas that surrounds Earth. The Atmosphere (Barron, 1989). The Earth's atmosphere is divided up into five layers:Let's Learn about each layer one by one. Improved homework resources designed to support a variety of curriculum subjects and standards. The ionosphere—a region of electrically charged particles, or ions—may be divided into regions according to the degree of ionization. Gravity keeps the gases from drifting off into space. The atmosphere becomes thinner and thinner as the distance from Earth increases. This scattering process is called diffusion. The phenomenon of airglow, luminescence due to reradiation of sunlight by heated atmospheric particles, originates in this layer. Definition of atmosphere in the Definitions.net dictionary. 1. countable noun [usually singular] A planet's atmosphere is the layer of air or other gases around it....dangerous levels of pollution in the Earth's atmosphere. The air composing the atmosphere moves freely—sometimes violently. Its ionization varies greatly, and the layer disappears at night. Gedzelman, S.D. The layer closest to Earth is the troposphere. The stratosphere extends up to 25 miles (40 kilometers) above the Earth and is characterized by an increase in temperature with increasing altitude and by jet streams that move mostly in a horizontal motion. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. That’s pretty cool don’t you think? Earth’s atmosphere has six layers: the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, the … Earth’s atmosphere  Earth’s atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding the planet. Beyond its outer boundary is the magnetosphere, a magnetic envelope that shelters the Earth from the ionized blast of the solar wind. The air or climate in a specific place. The spheres are the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. The sometimes violent changes that take place in the atmosphere are experienced on Earth as weather, wind, ocean currents, lightning, and rainbows. A new, third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs of the sophisticated scholar. Because of this, the sky appears blue. Information and translations of atmosphere in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Even worse, the levels of methane in the atmosphere are rising at more than 1 per cent a year. To share with more than one person, separate addresses with a comma. Improved homework resources designed to support a variety of curriculum subjects and standards. The atmosphere is made up of mostly nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). The atmosphere also protects the Earth’s inhabitants to some extent from meteor particles, cosmic rays, radiation from the Sun and stars, atmospheric dust, and other hazards. One of its jobs is to basically cover the planet to protect us from the vacuum of space, down here on Earth. Take a minute to check out all the enhancements! (For information about the atmospheres of the other planets see planet.). The thermosphere extends up to 300 miles (480 kilometers) and is characterized by a rapid rise in temperature with increasing altitude. The F2 layer, above 150 miles and the densest of the ionospheric regions, consists mainly of strong nitrogen ions and reflects extremely short radio waves. A new, third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs of the sophisticated scholar. These cycles are important for the existence of living organisms. The Earth’s atmosphere consists mainly of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases and solid and liquid particles. As height increases, the air molecules become separated by more space, and the weight decreases. Scientists also divide the atmosphere into layers on the basis of electrical properties. This website uses cookies to help deliver and improve our services and provide you with a much richer experience during your visit. The same safe and trusted content for explorers of all ages. Vital exchanges of matter and energy occur between the atmosphere and the oceans, which are vast reservoirs of the heat, moisture, and carbon dioxide needed by the atmosphere. Atmosphere . The definition of atmosphere is an overall feeling and/or effect of a place, specially if it is an environment of pleasure or interest. Asimov, Isaac. The density of the atmosphere decreases outward, because the gravitational attraction of the planet, which pulls the gases and aerosols (microscopic suspended particles of dust, soot, smoke, or chemicals) inward, is greatest close to the surface. The mesosphere—up to 40 miles (65 kilometers) above the Earth—is characterized by a rapid decrease in temperature with increasing altitude. The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because greenhouse gases trap energy from the sun. As it passes through the atmosphere, sunlight is reflected and refracted by the air molecules and by dust particles and molecules of water vapor. The fourth layer, the thermosphere, ranges from about 50 to 300 miles (80 to 480 kilometers) above Earth. The atmosphere consists of several different gases. The gaseous mass or envelope surrounding a celestial body, especially the one surrounding the earth, and retained by the celestial body's gravitational field. (For information about the atmospheres of the other planets see planet.) It is the region closest to the Earth’s surface and where weather occurs, and it is characterized by a decrease in temperature with increasing altitude. Near Earth’s surface, the atmosphere is about three-fourths nitrogen and one-fifth oxygen. atm Physics A unit of pressure equal to the air pressure at sea level. It is often called air. A significant feature of the stratosphere is the ozone layer, which is located between 10 and 20 miles (16 and 32 kilometers) above the Earth. Schaefer, V.J. We’ve been busy, working hard to bring you new features and an updated design. During the day as the heat of the Sun penetrates the air and warms the Earth, the atmosphere traps this heat so that it escapes more slowly into space, making the night warmer than it would be without this effect. An example of atmosphere is the creepy feeling one gets whenever they walk past the old, abandoned neighborhood house which is rumored to be haunted. At nighttime, it's colder outside, but the greenhouse stays pretty wa… Large masses of air moving above the Earth’s surface can cause changes in weather and produce winds with speeds of over 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour). Three-quarters of the atmosphere is located within 11 kilometers of the Earth's surface. Many people use the term geosphere to describe lithosphere. The Sun’s rays that stream down to the Earth appear as white light. and Day, J.A. The term weather describes the state of the atmosphere at a given point in time and geographic location. The atmosphere serves to moderate the extremes of heat and cold on the Earth. Please note: Text within images is not translated, some features may not work properly after translation, and the translation may not accurately convey the intended meaning. The atmosphere is the layer of gas that surrounds the earth, including the air that you breathe. 1 : the whole mass of air that surrounds the earth. Encyclopedic entry. As height increases, the air molecules become separated by more space, and the weight decreases. 3. Greenhouses are used to grow plants, such as tomatoes and tropical flowers.A greenhouse stays warm inside, even during the winter. Britannica does not review the converted text. Kids Definition of atmosphere. Environmental scientists study things like the atmosphere, the oceans, geology, habitats, and ecology. The stratosphere includes the ozone layer. phere (ăt′mə-sfîr′) n. 1. The atmosphere is 500km thick. (See also Earth, “The Atmosphere.”). For example, the atmosphere interacts with land to affect weather. At 100,000 feet (30,480 meters), air density is so low that air exerts a pressure of only 0.18 pound per square inch (1.24 kilopascals). Earth is comprised of four spheres. The atmosphere thins out as Earth's gravitational pull decreases. The atmosphere might be invisible, but there's a lot going on up there! We live at the bottom of an invisible ocean called the atmosphere, a layer of gases surrounding our planet. Weather forecasts provide an estimate of the conditions we expect to experience in the near future and are based on statistical models of similar conditions from previous weather events. We often call the atmosphere “air.” All planets have an atmosphere, but Earth is the only planet with the correct combination of gases to support life. If the Earth is compared to an orange, the atmosphere can be considered the skin of the orange. The gases are held close to Earth by a force called gravity. Air is heaviest at sea level because the air molecules are compressed by the weight of overlying air. Scientists divide the atmosphere into five regions, or layers. The troposphere extends up to 6 miles (10 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface. Choose a language from the menu above to view a computer-translated version of this page. All land or rocks and ground form the geosphere. Atmosphere (Time-Life, 1983). All living organisms, right from the algae to the plants, the wildlife to human beings, form the biosphere. After translating an article, all tools except font up/font down will be disabled. 2 : the gas surrounding a heavenly body (as a planet) The atmosphere of Mars is made up mostly of carbon dioxide. In the daytime, sunlight shines into the greenhouse and warms the plants and air inside. It is often called air.  It burns incoming meteoroids. It extends up to about 6 miles (10 kilometers) above Earth’s surface. The gases are held close to Earth by a force called gravity. Take a minute to check out all the enhancements! Overall they recognize a neutral atmosphere, which lies below about 40 miles, and the ionosphere above it. At sea level, air has a pressure of 14.7 pounds (6.7 kilograms) per square inch. The realm of our planet comprising of air is known as atmosphere. Atmosphere refers to the gases surrounding a star or planetary body held in place by gravity. 2. Auroras are a spectacular feature of this layer. However, white light is composed of light waves of all the colors of the spectrum, each color having a different wavelength. Ozone blocks much of the Sun’s radiation that would harm plants and animals if it reached Earth. The Earth and other planets of the solar system are each enclosed in a thin shell of gas called an atmosphere. A greenhouse is a building with glass walls and a glass roof. How Did We Find Out About the Atmosphere? Ultraviolet rays fill the exosphere, and faint glows called zodiacal light that are due to sunlight reflected from particles of meteoric dust originate in this layer. The atmosphere is the layer of gas that surrounds Earth. Winds in this layer move mostly in a vertical motion. It extends up to about 50 miles (80 kilometers) above Earth’s surface. We hope you and your family enjoy the NEW Britannica Kids. The Science and Wonders of the Atmosphere (Wiley, 1980). The atmosphere is in constant motion due to the Earth’s rotation and changes in temperature and pressure. At higher elevations, the atmosphere is mostly hydrogen and helium. The top of the troposphere layer of the atmosphere is called the tropopause. Atmosphere For Kids: Atmosphere. The fifth and highest layer of the atmosphere is the exosphere. Choose a language from the menu above to view a computer-translated version of this page. Atmosphere, the gas and aerosol envelope that extends from the ocean, land, and ice-covered surface of a planet outward into space. These regions make up the homosphere. The second layer, the stratosphere, extends to about 30 miles (50 kilometers) above Earth’s surface. What is it? Other planets, and some of their larger moons, also have atmospheres. This layer ends where Earth’s gravity is too weak to prevent particles of gas from drifting into space. Earth’s atmosphere is similar to a jacket for our planet. The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases that covers the Earth, a lot like a big blanket. The realm comprising of water is known as hydrosphere. The same safe and trusted content for explorers of all ages. Only the Earth’s atmosphere will be dealt with in this article. Meaning of atmosphere. Search the meaning and definition of over one hundred thousand words! The spheres interact to effect Earth’s systems and processes. As you might expect from the name, the greenhouse effect works … like a greenhouse! Atmos means “air.” The atmosphere includes all the gases surrounding the Earth. Definition of atmosphere noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Near Earth’s surface, the atmosphere is about three-fourths nitrogen and one-fifth oxygen. The atmosphere clings tightly to the Earth by the attraction of gravity. On the basis of temperature, scientists distinguish five layers. To re-enable the tools or to convert back to English, click "view original" on the Google Translate toolbar. Learn more. Atmosphere Definition . Only the Earth’s atmosphere will be dealt with in this article. The atmosphere, in turn, supplies ocean surfaces with the energy of motion that produces ocean currents. Nutrient Cycles The Earth's environment is constantly recycling nutrients so they can be used by different parts of the environment. If the Earth is compared to an orange, the atmosphere can be considered the skin of the orange. This region is caused by solar X rays and consists mainly of nitrogen and oxygen atoms. Once absorbed, this energy is sent back into the atmosphere. The atmosphere is the air that plants and animals breathe to survive. The F1 layer lies between 100 and 150 miles (160 and 240 kilometers) above the Earth, consists mainly of oxygen atoms, and reflects shorter radio waves. As the weight of the air decreases, so does the air pressure. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the terms of our cookie policy, which can be found in our. Sunlight enters the Earth's atmosphere, passing through the blanket of greenhouse gases. They divide it into layers on the basis of varying temperature, varying electrical characteristics, and varying composition. At the outermost part of the ionosphere helium becomes dominant at about 600 miles (960 kilometers), and hydrogen above about 1,500 miles (2,500 kilometers). The F region, also called the Appleton layer, is subdivided into F1 and F2 layers. The atmosphere clings tightly to the Earth by the attraction of gravity. Atmosphere:  Absorbs the energy from the Sun  protects us from high-energy radiation  The atmosphere protects and supports life. It surrounds our planet, keeps us warm, gives us oxygen to breathe, and it is where our weather happens. The pressure is greatest at sea level. Lithosphere Definition for Kids. Above this is the heterosphere, where various constituents tend to separate out. There, the gas particles are pressed together by the weight of the air above them. In the lower regions of the atmosphere, up to about 65 miles (100 kilometers) above the Earth, turbulence causes a continuous mixing of the constituent elements of the atmosphere so that the composition is relatively uniform. That is wrong. There are lots of other gases that are part of the atmosphere, but in much smaller amounts. This mass is equal to about one millionth of the mass of the Earth. Nitrogen and oxygen account for 99 percent of the gases in dry air, with argon, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, and other gases making up minute portions. These include argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, hydrogen, and more. Outer space is black because there is no atmosphere to scatter the light waves. the air or climate in a particular place the atmosphere was thick with smoke a general pervasive feeling or mood an atmosphere of elation the prevailing tone or mood of a novel, symphony, painting, or other work of art a special mood or character associated with a place Atmosphere is a layer above earth that is made out of several types of gases which includes 78% of nitrogen, 21% of oxygen and 1% of other gases outside of nitrogen and oxygen. After translating an article, all tools except font up/font down will be disabled. ATMOSPHERE 'ATMOSPHERE' is a 10 letter word starting with A and ending with E Synonyms, crossword answers and other related words for ATMOSPHERE We hope that the following list of synonyms for the word atmosphere will help you to finish your crossword today.  The Earth is surrounded by a blanket of air, which we call the atmosphere. Air becomes lighter farther away from Earth’s surface. The atmosphere consists of several different gases. In the late 1980s there was some concern that the ozone layer was being destroyed by pollution, and an effort was begun to prevent its destruction (see environmental pollution). Noctilucent clouds, clouds of water vapor or meteor dust that shine at night, are a distinguishable feature of this layer. Maury, Jean-Pierre. As the weight of the air decreases, so does the air pressure. We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage. Many people also say that every sphere is essentially a geosphere because it is an integral part of the world. 3 letter words The Earth's surface absorb the sunlight’s energy. The short blue light waves are more widely scattered and rescattered than are the long red waves. 2. Other planets, and some of their larger moons, also have atmospheres. A literary technique, atmosphere is a type of feeling that readers get from a narrative, based on details such as setting, background, objects, and foreshadowing.A mood can serve as a vehicle for establishing atmosphere. Abbr. Accessible across all of today's devices: phones, tablets, and desktops. atmosphere definition: 1. the mixture of gases around the earth: 2. a mixture of gases that surrounds any planet: 3. the…. Most of Earth’s weather, including the wind and most clouds, exists in the troposphere. The density of the air is so low in this layer that the concept of temperature loses its customary meaning. Gases surrounding our planet create our atmosphere Earth's atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds our planet. Definition of Atmosphere. Please note: Text within images is not translated, some features may not work properly after translation, and the translation may not accurately convey the intended meaning. 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