How does the Earth's atmosphere work?

The Earth's atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding our planet, held in place by gravity. It is essential for life on Earth, as it provides oxygen for us to breathe, and also helps to protect us from the harmful radiation from the sun.

The atmosphere is made up of several layers, each with its own unique properties. The lowest layer is the troposphere, where all of Earth's weather occurs. Above that is the stratosphere, which contains the ozone layer that helps to absorb harmful UV radiation from the sun. The mesosphere and thermosphere are above the stratosphere and contain gases that are ionized by solar radiation.

The atmosphere is in constant motion, with winds and currents moving heat and moisture around the planet. This movement is driven by differences in temperature and pressure, and is responsible for many of the weather patterns we experience.

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are changing the composition of the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global climate change. It is important that we take steps to reduce our impact on the atmosphere and preserve it for future generations.