Mesosphere

The mesosphere is the third layer of the Earth's atmosphere, located above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere. It extends from about 31 miles (50 kilometers) to 53 miles (85 kilometers) above the Earth's surface. The mesosphere is characterized by a decrease in temperature with increasing altitude.

Key Characteristics:

1. Temperature: The temperature in the mesosphere decreases with altitude, reaching extremely low temperatures as low as -130°C (-202°F).
2. Atmospheric Pressure: The pressure in the mesosphere is much lower compared to the layers below it.
3. Meteorological Phenomena: The mesosphere is where most meteoroids burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere, creating the phenomenon of shooting stars.
4. Noctilucent Clouds: The mesosphere is the only atmospheric layer where noctilucent clouds, also known as polar mesospheric clouds, form. These are thin, wispy clouds that can be seen at high latitudes during the summer months.

Study Guide:

When studying the mesosphere, it's important to understand the following concepts:

1. Temperature Trends: What are the temperature trends in the mesosphere and how do they compare to the layers above and below it?
2. Atmospheric Composition: What gases make up the mesosphere and in what proportions?
3. Meteoroids and Shooting Stars: How do meteoroids interact with the mesosphere, and what phenomenon do they create?
4. Noctilucent Clouds: What are noctilucent clouds, and why do they form specifically in the mesosphere?

Understanding these key concepts will provide a solid foundation for comprehending the mesosphere and its significance within the Earth's atmosphere.

[Mesosphere] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Earth's AtmosphereScience • Sixth Grade
• EarthquakesScience • Seventh Grade
• Plate TectonicsScience • Sixth Grade
• Plate tectonicsScience • Eighth Grade