Mesosphere: The Middle Layer of the Earth's Atmosphere

The mesosphere is the third layer of the Earth's atmosphere, located above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere. It extends from about 50 kilometers (31 miles) to 85 kilometers (53 miles) above the Earth's surface. This layer is characterized by a decrease in temperature with increasing altitude, reaching temperatures as low as -90 degrees Celsius (-130 degrees Fahrenheit) at its upper boundary.

Key Characteristics of the Mesosphere:

Temperature: The mesosphere is known for its extremely low temperatures, making it the coldest layer of the Earth's atmosphere.
Mesopause: This is the boundary between the mesosphere and the thermosphere, and it marks the coldest temperatures in the atmosphere.
Noctilucent clouds: These are rare, high-altitude clouds that can sometimes be seen in the mesosphere during the summer months, reflecting sunlight even after the sun has set.
Protection from meteoroids: The mesosphere plays a role in protecting the Earth from small meteoroids, as they often burn up upon entering this layer due to the high density of air molecules.

Study Guide for the Mesosphere:

Here are some key points to remember when studying the mesosphere:

What is the altitude range of the mesosphere?
What is the temperature range in the mesosphere?
What is the mesopause and why is it significant?
What are noctilucent clouds and where are they found?
How does the mesosphere protect the Earth from meteoroids?

Understanding the mesosphere is important for gaining insights into the Earth's atmosphere and its various layers. It also contributes to our understanding of atmospheric phenomena and the interactions between different layers of the atmosphere.