Characteristics of the Mesosphere

The mesosphere is a region of the atmosphere that experiences extremely low temperatures. In this layer, the temperature decreases with increasing altitude, reaching as low as -90 degrees Celsius (-130 degrees Fahrenheit) near the top of the mesosphere. This frigid environment makes it the coldest layer of the Earth's atmosphere.

Another notable characteristic of the mesosphere is the presence of the mesopause, which is the boundary between the mesosphere and the thermosphere. The mesopause is where the temperature reaches its lowest point in the atmosphere.

Importance of the Mesosphere

The mesosphere plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth from meteoroids. When these celestial objects enter the Earth's atmosphere, they burn up in the mesosphere due to the high concentration of atmospheric gases. As a result, the mesosphere serves as a shield, preventing most meteoroids from reaching the Earth's surface.

Additionally, the mesosphere is instrumental in the formation of noctilucent clouds, which are rare, luminous clouds that can be observed at high latitudes during the summer months. These clouds form in the mesosphere when water vapor freezes around dust particles, creating stunning displays in the night sky.

Study Guide for the Mesosphere

Temperature: What is the typical temperature range in the mesosphere? Why does the temperature decrease with increasing altitude in this layer?
Mesopause: What is the mesopause, and where is it located in the atmosphere? Why is it significant?
Meteoroid Protection: How does the mesosphere protect the Earth from meteoroids? What happens to most meteoroids that enter the mesosphere?
Noctilucent Clouds: What are noctilucent clouds, and where do they form? What makes them unique compared to other cloud types?

Understanding the mesosphere and its role in the Earth's atmosphere is essential for gaining insights into atmospheric science and its impact on our planet.

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Sixth Grade. Our impact on earth

Vocabulary/Answer key

Our impact on earth

The resources above cover the following skills:

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Analyze and interpret data (e.g., tables, graphs, maps of global and regional temperatures; atmospheric levels of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane; rates of human activities) to describe how various human activities (e.g., use of fossil fuels, creation of urban heat islands, agricultural practices) and natural processes (e.g., solar radiation, greenhouse effect, volcanic activity) may cause changes in local and global temperatures over time.

Earth and Human Activity

Analyze evidence (e.g., databases on human populations, rates of consumption of food and other natural resources) to explain how changes in human population, per capita consumption of natural resources, and other human activities (e.g., land use, resource development, water and air pollution, urbanization) affect Earth’s systems.

Implement scientific principles to design processes for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment (e.g., water usage, including withdrawal of water from streams and aquifers or construction of dams and levees; land usage, including urban development, agriculture, or removal of wetlands; pollution of air, water, and land).

Characteristics of the Mesosphere

Importance of the Mesosphere

Study Guide for the Mesosphere

[Mesosphere] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Sixth Grade. Our impact on earth

The resources above cover the following skills: