Book Title: Global Perspectives in Multidisciplinary Research and Scholarly Innovation
Editors: Dr. Aditi Deka Pathak, and Prof. Guptajit Pathak
ISBN: 978-81-69297-30-1
Chapter: 12
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/714/12
Authors: Vikrant Baxi, Hirenkumar Jagani, Saurav Manwatkar
Abstract
The Earth’s atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding the planet that protects life and regulates climate and weather. It is mainly composed of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other gases. The atmosphere is divided into several layers based on temperature variation and physical properties. The lowest layer is the troposphere, which extends up to about 12 km above the Earth’s surface.
Most weather phenomena such as clouds, rain, storms, and winds occur in this layer. Above it lies the stratosphere, which contains the ozone layer that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. The mesosphere is the third layer where meteors burn due to friction with air particles. The thermosphere is a high-temperature layer containing ionized gases important for radio communication and satellite movement. Beyond this lies the exosphere, which gradually merges into outer space. The atmosphere plays a vital role in maintaining temperature, supporting life, and protecting Earth from harmful solar radiation and meteoroids.