Earth’s Atmosphere

What do you know about Earth’s atmosphere? Earth’s atmosphere is a thin layer of gases that cover the outer edge of Earth. It is mostly made up of nitrogen and oxygen. There are other gases in the atmosphere as well. This layer of gases is very important. It protects Earth from extreme temperatures. The atmosphere also traps heated air. It protects Earth from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. These rays can be very harmful.

The atmosphere is about 300 miles thick. It slowly becomes thinner the farther it is from Earth and fades off into space. There isn’t a real defined boundary between the atmosphere and space.

Oxygen in the atmosphere is important. Oxygen allows us to breathe. Without oxygen in the air, we would not be able to live. Some of the oxygen has changed over time. This is called the ozone layer. Some experts believe that humans have caused a hole in the ozone layer.

The atmosphere is divided into five layers. The weather we experience on Earth takes place in the first layer. Weather happens because the atmosphere is constantly moving and changing.