Characteristics of the Mesosphere

Temperature: The mesosphere is the coldest layer of the atmosphere, with temperatures decreasing with height.
Meteors: This layer is where most meteoroids burn up upon entry into the atmosphere, creating the visual phenomenon known as shooting stars.
Noctilucent clouds: These are rare, high-altitude clouds that form in the mesosphere and can be seen during the summer months at high latitudes.
Atmospheric pressure: Atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude in the mesosphere.

Importance of the Mesosphere

The mesosphere plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth from meteoroids. Most meteoroids burn up in this layer due to the high concentration of gases and the friction generated during their entry into the atmosphere.

Study Guide for the Mesosphere

To study the mesosphere, you can focus on the following key points:

How does temperature change with height in the mesosphere?
What are noctilucent clouds and where are they typically observed?
What role does the mesosphere play in protecting the Earth from meteoroids?
What is the significance of the boundary between the mesosphere and the thermosphere?