Earth's Atmosphere
The atmosphere is a mixture of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and other gases (1%) that surrounds Earth. High above the planet, the atmosphere becomes thinner until it gradually reaches space. It is divided into five layers. Most of the weather and clouds are found in the first layer.
The atmosphere is an important part of what makes Earth livable. It blocks some of the Sun's dangerous rays from reaching Earth. It traps heat, making Earth a comfortable temperature. And the oxygen within our atmosphere is essential for life.
Over the past century, greenhouse gases and other air pollutants released into the atmosphere have been causing big changes like global warming, ozone holes, and acid rain.
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Explore Earth's Atmosphere
Layers of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere is divided into five layers. It is thickest near the surface and thins out with ...Read more
Weather
Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a given time and place. Most weather takes place ...Read more
Climate
Warm near the equator and cold at the poles, our planet is able to support a variety of living ...Read more
The Polar Atmosphere
Phenomena in the Polar Atmosphere There are some unique phenomena that happen in the atmosphere ...Read more
Atmospheric Optics
Have you ever seen clouds in the sky that looked different than "normal" clouds? Or have you ...Read more
Air Pollution
What do smog, acid rain, carbon monoxide, fossil fuel exhausts, and tropospheric ozone have ...Read more
Ozone Holes
The Ozone Hole is a major "thinning" of the ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere. It ...Read more
Modeling the Atmosphere
Clouds are an important part of Earth's weather and climate. Scientists use computer models ...Read more
Arts and Culture About Clouds, Weather, and Climate
Whether it is how an artist paints the shapes of clouds or how a poet describes a gloomy weather ...Read more
Atmosphere News
Read about current science, happenings and discoveries related to Earth's atmosphere! ...Read moreMore about Earth's Atmosphere
- Atmosphere Games and Activities
- Atmosphere Image Gallery
- Resources for Teaching About the Atmosphere
- Atmospheric Science Literacy Framework
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Research Highlights
Triggers of Volcanic Eruptions in Oregon's Mount Hood Investigated
A new study has found that a mixing of two different types of magma is the key to the historic eruptions of Mount Hood, Oregon's tallest mountain, and that eruptions often happen in a relatively short...Read more
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