The mesosphere is the third layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, extending from about 50 to 85 kilometers above sea level. This layer is characterized by decreasing temperatures with altitude, where temperatures can drop as low as -90°C. The mesosphere is crucial for the disintegration of meteoroids, making it an important area for atmospheric phenomena.
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The mesosphere extends from approximately 50 to 85 kilometers above Earth's surface and is often considered the middle layer of the atmosphere.
In this layer, temperatures decrease with altitude, reaching some of the coldest temperatures found in Earth's atmosphere, around -90°C.
The mesosphere is where most meteoroids burn up upon entering the atmosphere, producing visible meteor showers.
This layer is difficult to study directly due to its altitude, but research often relies on radar and satellite observations.
The boundary between the mesosphere and thermosphere is known as the mesopause, marking a significant temperature inversion point.
Review Questions
How does the temperature profile of the mesosphere compare to that of the layers above and below it?
In the mesosphere, temperatures decrease with altitude, which is different from the stratosphere below it, where temperatures increase due to ozone absorption of ultraviolet radiation. Above the mesosphere in the thermosphere, temperatures rise dramatically again because of solar activity. This unique temperature profile makes the mesosphere distinct in terms of atmospheric behavior and phenomena.
Discuss the role of the mesosphere in protecting Earth from meteoroids and how this process impacts our view of space.
The mesosphere plays a critical role in protecting Earth from meteoroids by providing a region where these objects disintegrate upon entry into the atmosphere. As meteoroids collide with gas molecules at high speeds in this layer, they burn up and create bright streaks known as meteors. This process not only protects Earth's surface from potential impacts but also contributes to our understanding of space and celestial objects through meteor observations.
Evaluate the challenges scientists face when studying the mesosphere and suggest methods that could improve our understanding of this atmospheric layer.
Studying the mesosphere poses significant challenges due to its high altitude and remote location, making direct observation difficult. Traditional weather balloons do not reach this layer effectively, while satellites face limitations in resolution and frequency of data collection. To improve our understanding, scientists could utilize advanced radar technology, high-altitude balloons equipped with sensors, or even unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of reaching those altitudes to gather more accurate data about temperature variations and atmospheric dynamics.
The second layer of the atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, where temperature increases with altitude due to the presence of ozone.
Thermosphere: The layer above the mesosphere, characterized by extremely high temperatures and the presence of ionized gases, which can reflect radio waves.
Meteoroids: Small rocky or metallic bodies in space that enter Earth's atmosphere and become meteors when they burn up in the mesosphere.