Atmospheric Structure and Composition

Definitions
Atmosphere: The thin envelope of gases surrounding the earth Highly compressible Density decreases rapidly with height Air: A mechanical mixture of gases and aerosols

Vertical Structure of Atmosphere

Troposphere

(surface to 8-20 km) Upper boundary varies from about 8 km (poles in winter) to about 20 km (tropics) Weather and climate layer Most of atmospheres mass; all of its water

Vertical Structure of Atmosphere

Troposphere

(surface to about 8-20 km) Upper boundary varies from about 8 km (poles in winter) to about 20 km (tropics) Weather and climate layer Most of atmospheres mass; all of its water Stratosphere (8-20 km up to about 50 km) Ozone (O3) Layer Temperature inversion