Thermosphere

Thermosphere

The Thermosphere is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere directly above the Mesosphere and below the Exosphere. It extends from about 90 km (56 miles) to between 500 and 1,000 km (311 to 621 miles) above our planet. Within this layer, ultraviolet radiation causes ionization.

Characteristics

The thermosphere is characterized by steadily increasing temperature with height. This is a direct contrast to the Stratosphere and Mesosphere, where temperature decreases with height. The temperature in this layer can rise as high as 1500 °C, though the gas particles are so far apart that it would not feel hot to a human in direct contact.

Composition

The Thermosphere is typically composed of the lighter gases, primarily Oxygen and Nitrogen. The Thermosphere also contains the Ionosphere, a region populated by ions and free electrons.

Functions

The Thermosphere plays a crucial role in the Earth's energy balance, absorbing extreme ultraviolet and X-ray radiation from the Sun. It is also the layer where many satellites orbit the Earth.

See also

• Atmosphere of Earth
• Exosphere
• Stratosphere
• Mesosphere
• Troposphere

References

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  Aurora in the thermosphere
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  Layers of the atmosphere
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  Nomenclature of the thermosphere
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  Waves in the thermosphere