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Learn about the atmosphere, a blanket of gases that surrounds Earth and protects life. Find out the definition, layers, composition and features of the atmosphere, and watch a video and read FAQs.
Jan 21, 2023 · Structure of the atmosphere. The main divisions of the atmosphere are defined by the elevations at which the sign of the temperature gradient changes. The chemical formulas at the right show the major species of interest in the various regions.
Earth's early atmosphere consisted of accreted gases from the solar nebula, but the atmosphere changed significantly over time, affected by many factors such as volcanism, impact events, weathering and the evolution of life (particularly the photoautotrophs).
The atmospheres of the planets Venus and Mars are principally composed of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, argon and oxygen. [4] The composition of Earth's atmosphere is determined by the by-products of the life that it sustains.
Aug 22, 2024 · Atmosphere, the gas and aerosol envelope that extends from the ocean, land, and ice-covered surface of a planet outward into space. The density of the atmosphere decreases outward, because the planet’s gravitational attraction, which pulls the gases and aerosols inward, is greatest close to the surface.
- Roger A. Pielke
Feb 19, 2022 · Atmosphere is essential for life on Earth as it supplies oxygen, water, CO 2 and some nutrients (N) to living organisms, and protects living organisms from temperature extremes and excessive UV radiation. Up to about 80 km, the composition of atmosphere is highly uniform; therefore, the term homosphere is applied.
Jun 25, 2024 · We live at the bottom of an invisible ocean called the atmosphere, a layer of gases surrounding our planet. 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.
