Key Points to Remember about the Mesosphere:

• The mesosphere is the coldest layer of the Earth's atmosphere.
• It is where most meteoroids burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere, creating "shooting stars."
• Temperatures in the mesosphere decrease with increasing altitude, reaching their coldest temperatures at the top of the layer.
• The mesosphere plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth from meteoroid impacts.
• It is also a vital layer for the propagation of certain types of atmospheric waves, such as gravity waves and tides.

Study Guide Questions:

1. What is the mesosphere?
2. Where is the mesosphere located in the Earth's atmosphere?
3. What are the temperature ranges in the mesosphere?
4. How does the mesosphere protect the Earth?
5. What role does the mesosphere play in the propagation of atmospheric waves?

Understanding the mesosphere is crucial for comprehending the Earth's atmosphere and the various layers that compose it. By studying its unique characteristics and functions, we gain insight into the complexities of our planet's atmospheric systems.