ATM SC 1050: Introductory Meteorology
Earth’s Atmospheric Layers
As you examine textbook Figure 1.11:
1. Note the lower and upper limits of the altitude of each layer.
2. Note their relationship to temperature.
3. Test your knowledge.
For thought: Can you name which layer has the largest temperature swing?
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ATM SC 1050: Introductory Meteorology
Test Your Knowledge
1.
2.
3.
4.
Using the following diagram, label the four layers of the atmosphere.
Enter their upper and lower boundaries (in kilometers).
Calculate the average temperature of each layer.
Name the layer with the largest temperature swing.
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ATM SC 1050: Introductory Meteorology
3
Answers
Layer name
Upper boundary
Lower boundary
(km)
(km)
1. Troposphere
5. 10 or 11km
Surface
-9ºF
2. Stratosphere
6. 50 km
10 or 11km
43ºF
3. Mesosphere
7. 85 km
50km
-98ºF
4. Thermosphere
8. 500km
85km
46ºF
FOR THOUGHT: Which layer has the largest temperature swing?
Thermosphere
Ave. temp.