Troposphere Study Guide

What is the Troposphere?

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, characterized by a decrease in temperature with increasing altitude. It is where most of the Earth's weather occurs, and contains approximately 75% of the atmosphere's mass.

Characteristics of the Troposphere:

• Temperature decreases with increasing altitude
• Contains the majority of Earth's weather phenomena
• Planes fly in this layer
• Contains approximately 75% of the atmosphere's mass

Importance of the Troposphere:

The troposphere is important for sustaining life on Earth. It contains the air we breathe and plays a crucial role in regulating Earth's temperature through the greenhouse effect.

Key Concepts:

1. Temperature Gradient: The rate at which temperature decreases with increasing altitude in the troposphere.
2. Weather Systems: The majority of Earth's weather phenomena, such as clouds, storms, and precipitation, occur in the troposphere.
3. Greenhouse Effect: The trapping of heat in the troposphere by greenhouse gases, which helps maintain Earth's relatively stable climate.

Review Questions:

1. What is the troposphere and where is it located?
2. Why is the troposphere important for life on Earth?
3. Explain how the temperature changes with altitude in the troposphere.

[Troposphere] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Earth's AtmosphereScience • Sixth Grade